Head Bartender

PATRON SERVICES HEAD BARTENDER at the FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Canadian Opera Company is now accepting applications for the part-time position of Patron Services Head Bartender at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The 26/27 season runs from early September until late June.

The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is a 2000+-seat performance venue in the heart of downtown Toronto. The FSC is the home of the Canadian Opera Company and The National Ballet of Canada, and hosts a variety of other events including galas, meetings, corporate functions, film screenings, and social events.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Providing exceptional customer service at performances and events, Patron Services Head Bartenders are members of the Patron Services Department and oversee a team of Bartenders during performances and events. Patron Services Head Bartenders are scheduled to work shifts on, primarily, evening and weekends with the possibility of some weekday daytime shifts. Previous bartending, wine knowledge, and hospitality experience mandatory.

The position also provides tips/gratuities (pooled between the Head Bartender/s, Bartender/s, and Porters), and some shifts for private/special events have a pay rate of $25.42/hour.

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES

• Leading and directing assigned bartenders with their tasks, as well as provide training and coaching as appropriate


• Accurate accounts and balancing of inventory, sales, and cash deposits


• Receive and respond to patron feedback 


• Respond to customer service issues and de-escalating situations as they occur 


• Ensure that the bar/event space is ready in advance of guests’ arrival (pre-performance and intermission), including but not limited to: the correct setup of the bar displays, product, bar menus, and signage 


• Using Point of Sale to process all transactions, in an efficient manner and cross/upsell as appropriate


• Setting up pre-orders accurately and on time for intermission(s)


• Keeping bar well-stocked with product and glassware


• 
  Resolve and communicate potential/existing hazards including but not limited to: broken glass, spills, and First-Aid requests


• Enforce building policies regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol, and communicating with patrons which items are permitted to enter the auditorium 


• Follow all Smart Serve and governmental regulations


• Perform all assigned duties and responsibilities with accuracy and efficiency 


• Communicate any updates/changes with the team (or staff) and ensure compliance 


• Ensure all bar staff are complying with Health and Safety Protocols, and that equipment and materials are being used properly and are well maintained 


• Perform other duties as assigned 

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

The ideal candidate will have at least two (2) years of experience bartending/beverage service experience in a hospitality, hotel or venue space.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills


• Positive and courteous interactions with all guests, clients, and colleagues, with a friendly and approachable demeanor


• Understanding of, and ability to provide exception service


• Ability to lead, motivate, and empower team members and create a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment 


• Comprehensive knowledge of liquor, wine, and beer and non-alcoholic beverages


• Familiarity with bar equipment and relevant handling/maintenance, including but not limited to, shakers, jiggers, strainers, and glassware


• Understanding of hygiene and cleanliness protocols for the bar area


• Basic to intermediate mixology skills for preparing and presenting drinks


• General sales knowledge and the ability to upsell premium and featured products


• Understanding of suggestive selling techniques to enhance the customer experience


• Ability to work quickly and efficiently as part of a team, especially during peak hours for performances and events


• Collaboration with all frontline colleagues


• Effective multitasking skills to handle multiple drink orders simultaneously if required


• Time management skills to ensure timely service during intermissions and events


• Understanding of safety protocols in handling and serving beverages


• Ability to adapt to the unique requirements and ambiance of an opera house setting


• Strong cash handling skills and comfortable using a POS system


• 
  Current Smart Serve certification


• Required to stand/walk for extended periods of time
  


• 
  Must be able to lift 20 pounds without difficulty
  


• Must be available on evenings and weekends during the performance season – Sundays in particular

Only applications received by Friday, September 11, 2027 will be considered. 

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director Ian Derrer joined the company in 2026, forming a leadership team alongside Artistic Director Roberto Mauro and Music Director Johannes Debus. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world.

As Canada's largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.