Head Bartender

Job Title: Head Bartender

Organisation: Gunpowder Restaurants

Summary

The Head Bartender leads all bar operations across Gunpowder Restaurants. The role demands an experienced, driven, and creative professional with a deep passion for mixology, a strong sense of leadership, and an eye for quality. You’ll oversee beverage programmes, develop a motivated bar team, innovate with seasonal menus, and maintain operational excellence across cost control, inventory, and guest experience.

You’ll be expected to bring enthusiasm, initiative, and discipline — building a bar culture that reflects Gunpowder’s ethos: thoughtful, flavour-driven, and authentic.

Key Responsibilities

Bar Operations & Beverage Programme

• Curate and develop an inventive, balanced, and evolving cocktail menu aligned with Gunpowder’s cuisine and identity.
• Stay current with global bar trends, techniques, and equipment, integrating innovative methods while maintaining the integrity of the brand.
• Source and maintain high-quality spirits, mixers, and garnishes with a focus on authenticity and craftsmanship.
• Work closely with the culinary team to design cocktails that complement food pairings and regional flavours.
• Implement consistent standards across beverage preparation, service, and presentation.

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead, motivate, and mentor the bar team to deliver excellence with consistency and energy.
• Build a culture of accountability, professionalism, and creativity.
• Conduct regular training sessions on mixology, beverage knowledge, guest engagement, and responsible service.
• Ensure smooth coordination between bar, service, and kitchen teams.

Revenue & Guest Experience

• Develop and execute upselling strategies and premium beverage promotions to maximise revenue without compromising quality.
• Monitor sales and adjust offerings and promotions based on performance and guest feedback.
• Ensure every guest receives attentive, engaging, and personalised service.
• Create memorable bar experiences that encourage repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.

Inventory & Cost Management

• Oversee end-to-end beverage inventory management using modern inventory systems.
• Track usage, wastage, and variance; conduct regular stock audits.
• Negotiate pricing and manage supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective sourcing.
• Maintain strict controls to prevent over-pouring and ensure profitability.

Financials & Reporting

• Support management in setting and achieving bar performance targets.
• Analyse sales, costs, and consumption data to identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement.
• Present concise performance reports with actionable insights.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, and excise regulations.
• Enforce responsible alcohol service standards at all times.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Minimum 4–5 years of progressive bar management experience in a premium restaurant or cocktail bar.
• Strong knowledge of mixology, spirits, wines, and emerging trends.
• Proven team leadership and people management skills.
• Experience using digital inventory and POS systems.
• Creative, organised, and energetic approach to problem-solving and service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Certification in responsible beverage service preferred.

Reports to: Proprietor / Restaurant Manager

Leads: Senior Bartender, Bartender, Assistant Bartender, Bar Waiter

Works closely with: Executive Chef, HR, Accounts, and Operations Teams

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹24,000.00 - ₹30,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Food provided
• Paid time off
• Provident Fund

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Assagao, Goa: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Diploma (Preferred)

Experience:

• Bartending: 3 years (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person