Bar Lead
Full Time • Nashville
Benefits:
- Bonus based on performance
- Employee discounts
- Opportunity for advancement
- Training & development
Lead Bartender
Tantísimo | Nashville, TN
Tantísimo is seeking a strong, service-driven Lead Bartender to oversee daily bar operations, drive beverage education, and support team performance. This role blends hospitality, leadership, financial awareness, and systems management. The Lead Bartender sets the tone behind the bar and acts as the bridge between ownership and the bar team.
This is a working leadership position — you are on the floor, in service, and actively elevating the program every day.
Position Summary
The Lead Bartender is responsible for bar inventory management, ordering within budget, prep coordination, team communication, beverage education, and maintaining operational standards. This role works closely with ownership and management to drive revenue, control costs, and build a strong base of regular guests. This FT position works five nights per week.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory, Budget & Product Management
- Order liquor and beer weekly within approved budget parameters
- Analyze previous week’s product mix to determine appropriate purchasing levels
- Monitor costs and contribute to strategies that protect margins
- Build and maintain accurate pars for liquor, beer, and bar prep
- Ensure prep lists are properly coordinated and executed daily
- Track inventory levels, reduce waste, and prevent over-ordering
- Communicate low counts of produce, specialty ingredients, and bar supplies to leadership with appropriate notice
- Proactively flag potential shortages or cost concerns before they impact service
Leadership & Team Communication
- Serve as the primary communication lead for the bar team
- Update and maintain:
- Recipe books
- Specs and builds
- Sidework sheets
- Bar standards documentation
- Recipe books
- Ensure all bartenders are executing recipes and service standards consistently
- Hold the team accountable for cleanliness, organization, and restocking standards
- Act as an intermediary between ownership/management and the bar team
Education & Program Development
- Build and maintain an educational resource for the back bar, including:
- Agave spirits
- Piscos
- Rums
- Other key categories relevant to the program
- Agave spirits
- Lead lineup presentations twice per week
- Develop a culture of beverage knowledge, storytelling, and product confidence
- Support cocktail development and seasonal menu evolution
Guest Experience & Revenue Growth
- Actively build relationships with regular guests
- Drive repeat business and bar-top community
- Work alongside management to reach and exceed bar sales targets
- Contribute ideas to grow beverage revenue and improve guest engagement
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of spirits, especially agave-based spirits, rum, and Latin American categories
- Experience with inventory management, pars, and beverage cost control
- Strong organizational skills and ability to anticipate operational needs
- Natural leadership presence and team accountability skills
- Strong communicator who can both lead and collaborate
- Passion for hospitality and building community
Compensation
- $12 per hour + Tips
- Tip-outs in accordance with house policy
- Eligibility for performance-based bonuses (details discussed during hiring process)
What Success Looks Like
- Bar inventory and prep systems run smoothly and within budget
- Pars are accurate and prevent both over-ordering and shortages
- The team executes consistently and confidently
- The bar builds loyal regulars and increases revenue
- Communication between ownership and staff is proactive and solution-oriented
(if you already have a resume on Indeed)