Bernadette is seeking an experienced, service-driven Lead Bartender to help steward and evolve our cocktail program while working nightly service at our dinner bar.
This is a hands-on role for a bartender who thrives in a food-driven restaurant, values hospitality above all else, and understands how a thoughtful beverage program supports the overall dining experience.
Our bar is a full dinner bar where guests come to eat as well as drink. The right candidate will be equally comfortable executing high-level service and contributing to the structure, consistency, and development of the program behind the scenes.
The Role
This position combines service leadership with scheduled program responsibilities focused on maintaining standards, training, inventory, and seasonal menu development.
Program work is completed during designated shifts separate from service and in collaboration with ownership and the kitchen.
Responsibilities
Service
1. Lead by example during nightly dinner service
2. Execute cocktails with precision, speed, and consistency
3. Provide polished, attentive hospitality to bar guests
4. Support the dining room as needed
Program Stewardship
5. Maintain and update recipes, specs, and training materials
6. Support seasonal cocktail development in collaboration with the kitchen
7. Maintain batching standards, pars, and prep protocols
8. Support inventory organization and ordering processes
9. Ensure consistency across all bar shifts
Training
10. Mentor and train bartenders on technique, standards, and service
11. Support onboarding of new team members
12. Help foster a professional, team-oriented bar culture
Ideal Candidate
13. Strong service bartender with experience in a food-driven or fine-dining environment
14. Technically skilled, organized, and consistent
15. Hospitality-focused and collaborative
16. Comfortable working closely with chefs and leadership
17. Able to balance creativity with restraint and execution
TIPS certification or equivalent responsible alcohol service training preferred.
About Bernadette
Bernadette is a French-inspired restaurant in downtown Salem focused on seasonal cooking, thoughtful hospitality, and a polished but welcoming atmosphere. Our bar program is designed to complement the kitchen and the dining experience, and we are looking for someone who wants to contribute to a stable, team-driven environment.