Bar Captain - Soho House New York

About the role

This position represents the bar at the highest service level and supervises the team during shifts. You will own the guest journey from first hello to the final farewell, ensuring that every cocktail and conversation aligns with the Soho House standard of effortless, elevated hospitality. You are the guardian of the bar's energy, responsible for maintaining a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that feels both curated and spontaneous. Your role blends performance, precision, and leadership as you coordinate a team of hospitality professionals to deliver seamless service. You will use your expertise to mentor staff, refine workflows, and uphold the venue's reputation for memorable nightlife and daytime refinement. Every interaction you oversee should reflect confidence, warmth, and a deep understanding of premium bar service. You are expected to lead by example, balancing operational demands with an intuitive sense of what makes a guest feel truly seen and cared for.

Key facts

What you'll do

Orchestrate bar operations and supervise front-of-house staff to ensure every service moment reflects the Soho House ethos.

Curate and execute cocktail presentations using the menu, food and drink pairings, and upselling techniques to elevate the guest or member experience.

Execute service standards with precision while crafting mixtures of ingredients into signature Soho cocktails and processing payments through MIROS (or similar POS).

Verify customer identification to confirm age requirements for alcohol and tobacco purchases and monitor intoxication levels to maintain responsible service.

Champion quality, quantity, and profitability by balancing guest satisfaction with operational and financial targets in a fast-paced setting.

Adapt to shifting priorities by performing additional duties as assigned by your supervisor or manager to support venue goals.

Lead team briefings and debriefs to reinforce service expectations, share feedback, and ensure alignment across all bar stations.

Utilize Micros knowledge or equivalent POS experience to streamline ordering, speed, and accuracy during high-volume periods.

Coordinate with kitchen and event teams to ensure smooth transitions between service windows and special gatherings.

Maintain a polished bar environment by overseeing cleanliness, organization, and adherence to health and safety standards at all times.

Anticipate guest needs through attentive observation and proactive engagement, turning routine service into standout moments.

Support loss prevention efforts by following bar procedures, monitoring inventory, and reporting discrepancies with integrity.

Foster a collaborative team culture by guiding, motivating, and developing bar staff through coaching and constructive feedback.

Represent Soho House & Co. with professionalism at all times, reflecting the brand's values in appearance, communication, and guest interactions.

Requirements

Bring 5+ years of bar experience and proven leadership to influence others behind the bar with confidence and clarity.

Demonstrate strong communication and people skills while balancing quality, quantity, and the bottom line in a high-pressure environment.

Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment without compromising the consistency and excellence expected at Soho House.

Maintain a flexible schedule to meet operational needs, including evenings, weekends, and peak hospitality hours.

Hold tips certification and comply with all local regulations regarding alcohol service and responsible consumption.

Possess Micros knowledge or equivalent POS experience to navigate reservation systems, guest profiles, and transaction processes efficiently.

Be able to seize, grasp, turn, and hold objects with hands, demonstrating the physical capability required for bar and service tasks.

Stand or work on your feet for at least 8 hours while maintaining energy and focus throughout each shift.

Perform fast-paced movements across the venue, including bending, reaching, and navigating crowded spaces with ease.

Lift, move, pull, or carry at least 40 pounds, such as cases of beverages, equipment, or supply trays, as part of routine duties.

Occasionally kneel, bend, crouch, and climb as required to access storage areas, equipment, or service points.

Possess a Bachelor's degree, as this role requires strong cognitive skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex service scenarios.

Practical notes

This role requires a bachelor's degree. Employment is full-time with a fixed salary of $16 per hour. New York state law sets the salary range at $16-$16 for this location. Typical interview steps

Hospitality interviews usually focus on experience, availability, and how you handle busy service. Candidates may be asked about a difficult customer or a busy shift. Enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn matter more than formal qualifications. Interviewers at venues often look for energy, availability, and calm under pressure. Mentioning specific venues or events you have worked adds credibility.

Good to know

Roles in this field often require long periods on your feet and fast movement in busy environments.

Bartending positions typically include tips as part of compensation.

Knowledge of POS systems such as Micros is common in hospitality roles.

Training and career development opportunities are often available in global hospitality brands.

Team events and learning programs support professional growth and social connection.

Full-time roles may include benefits such as health coverage and retirement contributions depending on local policy.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

Hospitality careers grow from entry roles to supervisor, manager, and venue leadership positions. Many professionals move between hotels, restaurants, and events. Skills in scheduling, ordering, and guest relations open management paths. Hospitality careers reward versatility and service instinct. Staff who learn ordering, scheduling, and guest relations quickly are promoted first.