Lead Bartender

As the Lead Bartender, you will be a working shift leader, actively present and working behind the bar, assisting in training and building a strong team of bartenders/servers, holding them accountable to the vision of the Outpost and to responsible bar practices. You will report to the Food & Beverage Director and will collaborate with them to develop and streamline systems and practices to elevate the bar experience and to work toward the vision of the Outpost as a whole.

Our restaurant and bar are a cohesive unit, currently offering elevated casual dining and a variety of cocktails, wines, and local craft beers. We also host many community events, live music, and fundraisers. We are not a “bar” in the typical sense- we are a restaurant that has a bar and our vision is to create a family-friendly environment where the whole community can feel welcome, while also providing a place for locals and visitors to come grab a couple drinks at the end of the day. We seek to serve responsibly, care well for the community, and create a space where genuine relationship building can happen in a safe and healthy environment. 

Staff member benefits include free on-site housing, an hourly wage and equitable share of the tip pool paid out bi-weekly, a free shift meal, and free and discounted activities. Seasonal and year-round opportunities are available. 

The Ideal Candidate will demonstrate: 

• A genuine presence of welcome and hospitality and a desire to build relationships with guests and staff 
• A willingness to jump in wherever needed, working alongside the team and modelling servant leadership 
• A strong work ethic 
• A high level of emotional and social intelligence, able to read the room and address potential issues 
• Confidence to diffuse situations, knowing when to cut people off and how to approach these situations with professionalism and an eye on the mission, that is to care for people well by building authentic relationships and serving responsibly. 

Specific Job Duties: 

• Maintain the family-friendly environment of the bar/restaurant and protect the business and staff from potentially harmful situations that could arise due to irresponsible alcohol service 
• Oversee bar training of Front of House staff 
• Be a working shift lead, actively present behind the bar, working alongside the team, taking orders, making drinks, and connecting with guests 
• Understand the broader vision- though primary duties are behind the bar, may occasionally assist in running food, bussing tables, and touching tables in the dining room 
• Oversee bar closing and ensure standards are upheld 
• Be committed to excellence, remarkable service, hospitality, and sincere interactions with our guests and holding FOH staff accountable to that standard 
• Ensure all FOH staff understand and exhibit safe and consistent alcohol serving practices 
• Ensure FOH staff are maintaining health and safety standards. 
• Oversee opening and closing lists, delegating as needed and holding FOH staff accountable to thorough adherence to expectations 
• Assist in preparation and execution of special events 
• Develop drink specials menu 
• Assist F&B Director with managing, updating, and troubleshooting Toast POS system 
• Build and streamline systems to improve the efficiency and cohesiveness of bar processes 
• Develop and maintain bar inventory system and communicate regularly with F&B Director 
• Exhibit clear and effective communication with GM, F&B Director, and BOH and FOH staff, helping to build a cohesive team and improve the SLO experience 
• Collaborate with other SLO staff members/departments in day-to-day operations 
• Be committed to the SLO Community and work to improve and uphold the culture. 

Required Skills: 

• 4+ years bar/restaurant experience 
• 2+ year bar management/lead experience 
• Colorado Servsafe/TIPS alcohol certification (will need to get this certification prior to employment at the Outpost) 
• High School Graduate/GED equivalency 
• Valid driver’s license 
• 21 years or older 
• Ability to work in a standing position for 8-10 hours per day 
• Ability to lift 60lbs (50lbs overhead) 

Preferred Skills: 

• 4+ years bar management experience 
• Proficient with public speaking, customer service, and crisis management skills 
• Highly proficient in Toast POS systems and mathematics 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills