Benefits:
Bonus based on performance
Employee discounts
Opportunity for advancement
Training & development
Lead Bartender
Tantísimo | Nashville, TN
Tantísimo is seeking a strong, service-driven Lead Bartender to oversee daily bar operations, drive beverage education, and support team performance. This role blends hospitality, leadership, financial awareness, and systems management. The Lead Bartender sets the tone behind the bar and acts as the bridge between ownership and the bar team.
This is a working leadership position — you are on the floor, in service, and actively elevating the program every day.
Position Summary
The Lead Bartender is responsible for bar inventory management, ordering within budget, prep coordination, team communication, beverage education, and maintaining operational standards. This role works closely with ownership and management to drive revenue, control costs, and build a strong base of regular guests. This FT position works five nights per week.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory, Budget & Product Management
Order liquor and beer weekly within approved budget parameters
Analyze previous week’s product mix to determine appropriate purchasing levels
Monitor costs and contribute to strategies that protect margins
Build and maintain accurate pars for liquor, beer, and bar prep
Ensure prep lists are properly coordinated and executed daily
Track inventory levels, reduce waste, and prevent over-ordering
Communicate low counts of produce, specialty ingredients, and bar supplies to leadership with appropriate notice
Proactively flag potential shortages or cost concerns before they impact service
Leadership & Team Communication
Serve as the primary communication lead for the bar team
Update and maintain:
Recipe books
Specs and builds
Sidework sheets
Bar standards documentation
Ensure all bartenders are executing recipes and service standards consistently
Hold the team accountable for cleanliness, organization, and restocking standards
Act as an intermediary between ownership/management and the bar team
Education & Program Development
Build and maintain an educational resource for the back bar, including:
Agave spirits
Piscos
Rums
Other key categories relevant to the program
Lead lineup presentations twice per week
Develop a culture of beverage knowledge, storytelling, and product confidence
Support cocktail development and seasonal menu evolution
Guest Experience & Revenue Growth
Actively build relationships with regular guests
Drive repeat business and bar-top community
Work alongside management to reach and exceed bar sales targets
Contribute ideas to grow beverage revenue and improve guest engagement
Qualifications
Strong knowledge of spirits, especially agave-based spirits, rum, and Latin American categories
Experience with inventory management, pars, and beverage cost control
Strong organizational skills and ability to anticipate operational needs
Natural leadership presence and team accountability skills
Strong communicator who can both lead and collaborate
Passion for hospitality and building community
Compensation
$12 per hour + Tips
Tip-outs in accordance with house policy
Eligibility for performance-based bonuses (details discussed during hiring process)
What Success Looks Like
Bar inventory and prep systems run smoothly and within budget
Pars are accurate and prevent both over-ordering and shortages
The team executes consistently and confidently
The bar builds loyal regulars and increases revenue
Communication between ownership and staff is proactive and solution-oriented