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JOB DETAILS

Bar Leader

CompanyPunch Bowl Social
LocationChicago
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 29, 2026
About The Company
Punch Bowl Social cultivates an eclectic approach to the concept of eat-ertainment. Punch Bowl Social effectively combines a diner-inspired scratch-kitchen, craft beverages, and classic parlor-style entertainment that will turn your date night into a shuffleboard showdown and your bowling buds into chicken ‘n’ waffle connoisseurs. 
About the Role

Description

Bartenders – We want you at Punch Bowl Social!

Life is short, work somewhere awesome. Join the Punch Bowl Social crew today and be the envy of all your friends.   

  • Competitive hourly rate + tips 
  • Flexible working hours 
  • Opportunity for growth and development 
  • Referral bonus program
  • Team member discounts on food, beverage and activities!  

Responsible for supporting all daily bar operations with a primary focus on inventory management, team leadership, training, and operational execution. Our bar team is a unique and energetic group of professionals who combine a passion for their craft with the ability to execute at a high level.


This role requires a hands-on leader who can oversee bar operations while modeling exceptional bartending standards and best practices. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with beverage recipes, menu standards, inventory controls, and service expectations, while driving an outstanding guest experience.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES


Leadership & Team Development

  • Serve as the acting bar leader in the absence of the Bar Manager.
  • Lead, coach, and support bartenders and barbacks to ensure excellent guest service and efficient operations.
  • Train new team members and support ongoing development of the bar team.
  • Assist with interviewing, scheduling, and performance coaching in partnership with the Bar Manager or General Manager.
  • Communicate expectations, operational updates, and menu changes to the team.

Beverage & Guest Experience

  • Lead by example in delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining a high-energy, hospitality-driven atmosphere.
  • Ensure all beverages are prepared and served according to company recipes, presentation standards, and service expectations.
  • Support bar operations for private events and contracted functions.
  • Maintain strong knowledge of beverage offerings, products, and industry trends.

Inventory & Operations

  • Manage bar inventory, including organization, accurate inventory counts, ordering support, and vendor relationships.
  • Monitor product levels, control waste, and maintain organized storage areas.
  • Ensure the bar is clean, stocked, and operationally ready at all times.
  • Assist with bar deep cleans, organization projects, and operational improvements.
  • Process guest orders and payments accurately using POS systems.
  • Maintain proper cash handling procedures.

Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure compliance with alcohol service laws, health regulations, and company policies.
  • Maintain sanitation, cleanliness, and safety standards throughout all bar operations.

Availability

  • Must be available to work a minimum of five (5) days per week, including nights, often weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Requirements

  QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to remain calm, decisive and professional in all situations
  • Proven ability to lead shifts and support operations.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with BOH, FOH, Management, vendors, and guest
  • Ability to provide coaching, training, and mentorship to bar team members
  • Keep Bar Manager and leadership team informed of operational and performance related concerns
  • Previous leadership, supervisory, or training experience strongly preferred
  • Prior work experience as a bartender in a high-volume restaurant/bar is required
  • Strong understanding of spirits, beer, wine, cocktail recipes, and bar operations
  • Positive attitude and passion for making people smile, and truly enjoy their experience 
  • Ability to work well in a face-paced team environment 
  • Value for high-quality food and beverage, and appreciation for the technique associated with production 
  • Sense of adventure and engaging energy  
  • Must be 21 years old and over 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Prolonged periods of standing and walking 
  • Comfortable with working late nights as needed, often 1am or later
  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds frequently 
  • Must be able to lift 75 pounds occasionally 
  • Ability to stand and exert fast-paced mobility for period) at least four (4) hours in length   
  • Good sense of balance, be able to bend and kneel, and perform repetitive motions

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the associated with the position. May perform other duties as assigned.

Key Skills
Inventory managementTeam leadershipStaff trainingBartendingCash handlingPOS systemsMenu standardsConflict resolutionHospitalityVendor relationsSafety complianceSchedulingPerformance coachingCocktail preparationCommunicationOperational execution
Categories
HospitalityFood & BeverageManagement & LeadershipCustomer Service & Support
Benefits
Competitive hourly rateTipsFlexible working hoursGrowth and development opportunitiesReferral bonus programTeam member discounts on food, beverage and activities
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Bar Leader oversees daily bar operations, including inventory management, team training, and operational execution. They are responsible for maintaining high service standards, coaching staff, and ensuring compliance with company policies and safety regulations.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
579
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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