bar operations lead

Gulu-Gulu Café & Bar is seeking a Bar Operations Lead to help support and grow one of Salem's most unique craft beer and cocktail programs.

We are a bohemian café, cocktail bar, craft beer destination, music venue, and community gathering space. We serve coffee and breakfast in the morning, shifting towards craft beers and cocktails at night (and everything in-between). We host varied events from open mics and live music to community functions.

We're looking for a hospitality professional who is equally passionate about craft beer, cocktails, guest experience, and operational excellence. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys mentoring others, maintaining high standards, and helping create memorable experiences for guests.

Schedule & Position Details

This is primarily an afternoon and evening position, with most shifts occurring during our evening hospitality hours.

Like our management positions, this is a working leadership position. The Bar Operations Lead is expected to remain actively involved in all aspects of the bar and guest service while providing leadership and support to the team and helping maintain beverage quality and service standards.

The Bar Operations Lead works closely with ownership to support the beverage program and overall guest experience. This role contributes to beverage ordering, vendor relationships, beer selection, rotating tap lineups, and overall program development. The Bar Operations Lead is expected to provide meaningful input, help guide decision-making, and play an important role in execution, training, feedback, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a leader and role model for the team

  • Train and onboard new bartenders

  • Help maintain high standards of hospitality and service

  • Assist with cocktail development and seasonal beverage features

  • Assist with maintaining beverage menus, staff beverage knowledge, and product education

  • Conduct beverage inventory counts and maintain inventory accuracy

  • Collaborate with ownership on beverage ordering, rotating tap lineups, and the ongoing development of beverage program themes and guest experiences

  • Monitor beverage quality and recipe consistency

  • Help maintain draft beer quality and presentation standards

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for live music performers

  • Help ensure a clean, organized, and professional bar operation

  • Provide feedback and ideas for improving beverage offerings, service standards, and guest experience

  • Assist other managers and ownership with operational initiatives as needed

  • What We're Looking For

  • Strong bartending experience

  • Craft beer knowledge and a passion for beer quality

  • Knowledge of cocktails, wine, and current beverage trends

  • Exceptional hospitality instincts and guest service skills

  • Experience training or mentoring staff preferred

  • Strong communication and organizational skills

  • Ability to stay calm, professional, and solutions-focused during busy shifts

  • Attention to detail and commitment to consistency

  • A collaborative attitude and desire to contribute to a team-oriented culture

The Right Person

The ideal candidate is someone who genuinely enjoys hospitality and takes pride in helping others succeed. They care about quality, consistency, and creating an outstanding experience for guests.

They are comfortable taking initiative, solving problems, and helping maintain standards, while also recognizing that hospitality is ultimately a team effort. They are excited by the opportunity to help shape guest experiences, contribute ideas, and play a meaningful role in the continued growth of the business.

This role is a great fit for an experienced bartender looking to take on greater leadership responsibilities while remaining actively involved in service and guest interaction, or for an experienced hospitality professional seeking a hands-on leadership role.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation package is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, leadership abilities, and overall fit for the role. Benefits include health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, retirement plan, and employee discounts.

To apply

Please send your complete resume along with a brief note telling us about your hospitality background and what interests you about joining Gulu-Gulu Cafe to jobs@gulugulucafe.com

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching

  • Dental insurance

  • Employee discount

  • Health insurance

  • Paid time off

  • Paid training

  • Vision insurance

Experience:

  • Bartending: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

  • TIPS certification (Preferred)

  • ServSafe (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

  • Salem, MA 01970 (Required)

Work Location: In person

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