Lead Bartender

Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is a distinguished culinary destination located in the Monterey area, renowned for its unique and memorable dining experiences. This establishment features three distinct dining environments to cater to a variety of guest preferences: a full-service dining room, a lively bar and lounge, and a charming al fresco dining patio. The restaurant is centered around its experiential oyster bar and a vibrant live-fire kitchen, which serve as both the heart and hearth of Salt Wood, offering guests a dynamic interaction with their food preparation and an ambiance unlike any other. Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is not only a place for exceptional food and drink but also a favored venue for gatherings ranging from casual cocktail evenings on the patio to large group parties held in versatile meeting spaces and private dining rooms. The venue’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction places it at the forefront of Monterey’s dining scene, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about hospitality and culinary arts.

Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette, as part of HHM Hotels, operates under a culture that emphasizes inclusivity, respect, and equal opportunity for all employees. The company proudly maintains policies that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other protected classification. This approach fosters a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute to the highest standards of service and excellence.

The Lead Bartender role at Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is a pivotal position responsible for supervising daily operations within the food and beverage outlets. This includes overseeing food quality, ensuring customer satisfaction, managing associate schedules, and monitoring staff performance according to established restaurant and guest service standards. The Lead Bartender plays a crucial role in maintaining the bar’s inventory, training and coaching team members, and upholding compliance with all state, federal, and corporate alcohol service regulations. This position requires an individual who is not only skilled in bartending and beverage management but also capable of leading a team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Key job functions include preparing and serving drink and food orders, verifying guests' age requirements for alcohol purchase, and managing intoxicated guest policies. The Lead Bartender is also responsible for maintaining beverage par levels, completing necessary side work, and continuously striving to improve guest satisfaction scores. Additional duties involve recruiting and training new staff members, monitoring the quality of both food and beverage products, ensuring sanitation and safety standards are met, and adhering to sustainability practices under HHM's EarthView program. This role demands a high level of physical activity, including standing for extended periods, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, and performing various physical tasks to maintain an efficient and welcoming bar and lounge environment.

The position offers potential career advancement opportunities within the hospitality sector, including progression to beverage or restaurant supervisor, restaurant manager, and ultimately food and beverage manager, making it an excellent choice for candidates seeking long-term growth in the industry. The work schedule is varied and includes shifts on holidays and weekends, reflecting the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette values individuals who believe in their core principles such as People Are Our Capability, Hearts That Serve, Only Excellence, Stay Nimble, and Own It, aligning personal values with the company’s mission to deliver outstanding guest experiences.