Lead Bartender

Now Hiring: Lead Bartender – Èlephante Santa Monica

Location: Santa Monica, CA
Position: Full-Time

Compensation:

• $20/hour while bartending and participating in the tip pool
• $22/hour for bar administrative shifts (not in the tip pool)

Schedule Structure:

• 1 full admin day per week
• 4 bartending shifts per week

Èlephante Santa Monica is seeking an experienced, confident Lead Bartender to help lead bar operations in a high-volume, upscale dining environment. This role is ideal for a bartender who thrives on the floor during service and is equally strong behind the scenes with organization, leadership, and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do

Bartending & Service

• Execute high-quality cocktails, wine, and beverage service during busy shifts
• Lead by example behind the bar during high-volume service
• Maintain consistency, speed, and presentation standards
• Support and mentor bartenders and barbacks during service

Leadership & Bar Administration

• Assist with bar prep, organization, and operational planning
• Support ordering, inventory, and cost control processes
• Help maintain bar SOPs, recipes, and training standards
• Coordinate with management on staffing, scheduling support, and service flow
• Ensure cleanliness, compliance, and readiness for service

What We’re Looking For

• Strong bartending experience in high-volume, upscale restaurants
• Prior lead bartender or bar management experience preferred
• Excellent cocktail knowledge and execution
• Ability to lead, coach, and support a bar team
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
• Comfortable balancing hands-on service with administrative responsibilities
• Full-time availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rates with clear distinction between tipped and admin shifts
• Consistent full-time schedule
• Employee dining perks
• Opportunity to grow within a well-established hospitality group
• A fast-paced, professional, and collaborative team environment

If you’re a seasoned bartender ready to take on a leadership role and help shape an exceptional bar program, we’d love to meet you.

Apply today and join the Èlephante Santa Monica team.