Lead Bartender - Theodosia

Department: Food & Beverage – Front of House

Direct Report: Restaurant General Manager / Front of House Supervisor

Purpose: Lead bar operations at Theodosia by executing elevated beverage service, maintaining cost controls, training bar team members, and ensuring consistent hospitality standards aligned with EOS Hospitality and Sanderling Resort expectations.

The Sanderling Resort, located in Duck, North Carolina, is the premier oceanfront destination in the Outer Banks, offering refined coastal hospitality, elevated culinary programming, and memorable guest experiences. Theodosia serves as the resort’s signature, chef-driven dining experience, celebrating regional ingredients, seasonality, and sophisticated yet welcoming service.

The Lead Bartender is responsible for overseeing daily bar operations, maintaining high-quality beverage execution, supporting inventory management and leading the bar team during service. This position blends hands‑on bartending excellence with leadership, accountability, and financial awareness.

• Serve as shift leader for bar operations, supervising Bartenders and Bar Support team members during service
• Assist Restaurant General Manager with training, coaching, performance feedback, and development of bar team members
• Create and maintain organized bar setup, ensuring readiness for service, cleanliness, and presentation standards
• Conduct daily bar briefings covering featured cocktails, wine pairings, menu changes, and service expectations
• Have full knowledge of all beverage offerings including cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic options
• Maintain elevated cocktail execution standards including recipe adherence, consistency, presentation, and proper glassware usage
• Assist in developing seasonal cocktail features in collaboration with Restaurant General Manager and Culinary leadership
• Perform regular beverage inventory counts and assist in maintaining accurate par levels
• Monitor liquor, wine, and beer inventory to reduce waste and control cost of goods
• Ensure proper rotation, storage, and labeling of all bar products
• Inspect deliveries for accuracy and quality; report discrepancies promptly
• Monitor bar labor productivity during shifts and communicate staffing needs to leadership
• Ensure compliance with all responsible alcohol service regulations and ABC laws
• Practice proactive guest engagement, upselling, and suggestive selling techniques to drive average check
• Lead guest recovery efforts related to beverage service when necessary
• Maintain accurate cash handling procedures and POS compliance
• Delegate side work and cleaning tasks to ensure the bar remains organized and efficient throughout service
• Demonstrate a team-focused attitude and collaborate closely with Front of House and Culinary teams to ensure seamless guest experience
• Understand and use safe work practices including Emergency Procedures, Accident Reporting, Responsible Alcohol Service standards, and workplace safety policies
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required
• Comply with all policies outlined in the Handbook, Property Supplement, or otherwise issued including time and attendance, uniform standards, anti-harassment policy, and workplace conduct expectations

• Ability to remain standing for up to 10 hours
• Ability to move quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced bar environment
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 40 lbs (cases of beer, liquor boxes, ice bins)
• Ability to bend, reach, and access storage above and below bar level
• Ability to use repetitive manual dexterity frequently including shaking, stirring, pouring, garnishing, and polishing glassware
• Ability to visibly inspect beverage presentation and bar cleanliness
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively with guests and team members
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English
• Ability to complete a satisfactory background check
• Ability to work flexible hours based on business needs including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Microsoft Office (basic use)
• Point of Sale System
• Bar Inventory and Ordering Systems
• Phone and Two-Way Communication Devices
• Time…