Head Bartender

MAMA?

Founded in 2008 by Serge Trigano and his sons Jérémie and Benjamin (co-founders of Club Med), Mama Shelter is a creator of living spaces and a daily director!

These are atypical places, where everyone feels at home, places born of a blend of influences, freedoms, sensations and emotions. Each Mama tells the story of the city in which it is located, and all influences blend together. We offer our guests a joyful atmosphere and exceptional service at an affordable price. 

More than just rooms and restaurants, Mama Shelter is a dynamic, a vibe: they are true urban refuges, not only aesthetically pleasing and modern but also popular, welcoming and sexy.

Whatever your role, we're all here to make the customer experience as unforgettable as possible. 

Our mission: to bring little moments of happiness to people.

Our growth has enabled us to offer our teams great career paths through internal development and international mobility, and it's not a question of diplomas or years of experience.

Mama Shelter is part of Ennismore, a creative hotel group rooted in cultures and destinations, with a global portfolio of brands. Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, founded in 2021.

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Our commitment to diversity and inclusion: 

Mama is an inclusive company, and our ambition is to recruit and promote diverse talent. 

🌟 THE MISSION

You’re the person who keeps Mama’s bar buzzing. 🍸🎶

As our Head Bartender, you’ll lead from behind the bar, bringing energy, creativity and consistency to every drink and every guest interaction. You’ll set the tone for the bar team, make sure service runs smoothly and help create the kind of atmosphere guests want to stay for one more round.

You don’t just make great drinks — you create the vibe.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

🍸 Bar Experience Champion

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the bar, ensuring consistently high standards of service, drinks and presentation.
• Prepare and serve cocktails, beverages and signature drinks to Mama’s standards.
• Maintain a strong understanding of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic offerings.

👥 Team Leader & Culture Builder

• Lead, coach and motivate the bartending team.
• Allocate daily responsibilities and ensure the bar is fully prepared for service.
• Train team members on cocktails, service standards, product knowledge and responsible alcohol service.
• Create a positive, energetic and collaborative team environment.

🎶 Mama Atmosphere Maker

• Bring personality, warmth and confidence to every guest interaction.
• Help create a lively, social and welcoming bar atmosphere.
• Engage with guests and build genuine connections while keeping service professional.

⚡ Service & Operations Expert

• Oversee mise en place, opening and closing procedures and service flow.
• Ensure the bar is fully stocked, organised and ready for every service.
• Coordinate closely with F&B, Kitchen and Restaurant teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Manage busy periods with calmness, pace and control.

💰 Cost & Stock Controller

• Monitor beverage inventory, stock levels and consumption.
• Ensure accurate portioning and minimise wastage and breakage.
• Support beverage cost control and stocktaking processes.
• Maintain appropriate levels of bar supplies, glassware and equipment.

✨ Quality & Standards Guardian

• Ensure all drinks are prepared consistently and presented to the required standard.
• Maintain cleanliness, hygiene and safety across the bar.
• Follow all relevant licensing, health, safety and responsible service requirements.

MADE FOR YOU… ONLY IF ✨

• You have solid bartending experience, ideally within a lifestyle, luxury, high-energy hotel or restaurant environment.
• You have previous supervisory or leadership experience within a bar operation.
• You’re confident with classic cocktails and enjoy creating and learning new drinks.
• You’re naturally engaging, warm and comfortable interacting with guests.
• You know how to lead a team while remaining hands-on during service.
• You’re organised and commercially aware, with a good understanding of stock and beverage cost control.
• You stay calm, focused and positive when the bar gets busy.
• You have strong communication skills and a genuine passion for hospitality.

YOUR LITTLE EXTRAS 🎯

• Pre-opening experience? Big plus. 🏗️✨
• Experience with lifestyle, design-led or entertainment-driven brands.
• Cocktail menu development or signature drink experience.
• Strong knowledge of local and international beverage trends.
• Flair bartending experience? Always fun. 🍸
• You bring Mama energy — confident, playful, social and authentic. 🎶🔥

WORK AUTHORISATION 🌍

• Applicants must already hold valid work rights/work authorisation for South Africa. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the country where the role is based.

Next, we're sure you know the tune 🎶:

• First melody: “At Mama, no AI! We review your application in person and take the time to understand your background. 🎧
• First verse: We organise an initial telephone interview with our People & Culture Team to see if your application fits in with our rhythm. 🤳
• Chorus: Once you've passed the phone interview, we'll arrange a remote meeting 💻 or a meeting at Mama 🤝 to meet the Gang! 
• Last verse: Naturally, you'll receive a response from us within two to three weeks at the latest, whether it's a ✔️ or a ✖️.