Lead Bartender

ABOUT SMALL TALK

Small Talk is a neighborhood wine bar coming to Portsmouth this spring — an intimate, unhurried place built around trendy pours, genuine conversation, and the kind of atmosphere people return to on a Wednesday just because. We're looking for a lead bartender and right-hand operator who loves wine, loves people, and wants to help shape something from the ground up — not just work a shift.

THE ROLE

This is a key early position, and our hope is that this person can be with us for the long-haul, building and growing with the business. You'll be involved in helping build wine programming, training staff, shaping hospitality standards, and handling the nuts-and-bolts of daily operations — all while still being present, hands-on, and guest-facing each night .

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Someone who has outgrown being just a great bartender and is ready for more ownership — without losing touch with the craft and the floor.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Open and close the bar; own the shift floor-to-floor Work regular bar shifts (nights and weekends expected) Help build and curate the wine list alongside ownership Train and mentor front-of-house staff on wine and service Execute and guide team on prep and recipes for small food menu Maintain inventory, par levels, and supplier relationships Handle cash management and end-of-night reconciliation Assist with scheduling and day-to-day staff coordination Maintain cleanliness and sanitation across all parts of the space Help develop tasting notes, menus, and programming Be an ambassador for the culture and vibe we're building Identify and flag operational issues; help solve them

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

3+ years of experience in wine-forward bar or restaurant environments Demonstrated wine knowledge — WSET, CMS, or equivalent experience welcome Experience in a lead, supervisor, or management role (formal or informal) Strong hospitality instincts — you read a room and you take care of people Organized, clear communicator who follows through Genuine enthusiasm for small producers, natural wine, and evolving wine culture — or the curiosity to get there Comfortable in a small-team, startup environment where things are still being built You naturally take ownership - you notice what needs to be done and handle it

COMPENSATION & DETAILS

$15/hour base rate + tips (~$55-60k annually) $150/month medical stipend (after 90 days) $150/month leadership performance stipend (after 90 days) Opportunity to grow into a more senior or equity role as we grow Staff education, tastings, and ongoing wine training Employee discounts and a seat at the table in shaping what we become

Pay:

$25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person