Bartender jobs in Canada

PART-TIME Employment Opportunity

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 2024/2025 season runs from early October 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, evenings and weekends with the possibility of some weekday daytime shifts. Previous bartending, wine knowledge, and hospitality experience are mandatory.

The starting hourly pay rate is $19.25. 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 $24.25/hour.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Accurate accounts and balancing of inventory, sales, and cash deposits.
2. Receive and respond to patron feedback.
3. Respond to customer service issues and de-escalate situations as they occur.
4. Using Point of Sale to process all transactions efficiently and cross/upsell as appropriate.
5. 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.
6. Setting up pre-orders accurately and on time for intermission(s).
7. Keeping bar well-stocked with product and glassware.
8. Leading and directing assigned bartenders with their tasks, as well as providing training and coaching as appropriate.
9. Communicate any updates/changes with the team (or staff) and ensure compliance.
10. Resolve and communicate potential/existing hazards including but not limited to: broken glass, spills, and First-Aid requests.
11. Enforce building policies regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol, and communicate with patrons which items are permitted to enter the auditorium.
12. Follow all Smart Serve and governmental regulations.
13. Perform all assigned duties and responsibilities with accuracy and efficiency.
14. Ensure all bar staff are complying with Health and Safety Protocols and that equipment and materials are being used properly and are well maintained.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

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

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate:

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Positive and courteous interactions with all guests, clients, and colleagues, with a friendly and approachable demeanor.
3. Understanding of, and ability to provide exceptional service.
4. Ability to lead, motivate, and empower team members and create a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of liquor, wine, and beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
6. Familiarity with bar equipment and relevant handling/maintenance, including but not limited to, shakers, jiggers, strainers, and glassware.
7. Understanding of hygiene and cleanliness protocols for the bar area.
8. Basic to intermediate mixology skills for preparing and presenting drinks.
9. General sales knowledge and the ability to upsell premium and featured products.
10. Understanding of suggestive selling techniques to enhance the customer experience.
11. Ability to work quickly and efficiently as part of a team, especially during peak hours for performances and events.
12. Collaboration with all frontline colleagues.
13. Effective multitasking skills to handle multiple drink orders simultaneously if required.
14. Time management skills to ensure timely service during intermissions and events.
15. Understanding of safety protocols in handling and serving beverages.
16. Ability to adapt to the unique requirements and ambiance of an opera house setting.
17. Strong cash handling skills and comfortable using a POS system.
18. Current Smart Serve certification.
19. Required to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
20. Must be able to lift 20 pounds without difficulty.
21. Must be available on evenings and weekends during the performance season – Sundays in particular.

Only applications received by Friday, January 31, 2025 will be considered.

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.

The Canadian Opera Company thanks all applicants in advance, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please.