Palma Bartender (PT)

Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. As a seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 264-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool.

With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests. Nestled within Santa Monica Proper, Palma offers an elevated dining experience that celebrates coastal California ingredients with European finesse. The restaurant's warm, sophisticated atmosphere features natural materials, earth tones, and modern design elements that complement its refined yet approachable cuisine.

We are seeking a skilled, guest-focused Bartender to join our distinguished service team at Palma. The ideal candidate combines exceptional mixology expertise with gracious hospitality while maintaining the highest standards of craft and service in our bar experience. Our most successful candidates bring a minimum of 3-5 years of experience from renowned hotel bars, private clubs, or award-winning cocktail establishments.

Your expertise should reflect an intimate understanding of craft cocktail techniques, wine and spirits knowledge, and the subtle art of anticipatory service that defines luxury hospitality.

Job Summary

The Bartender is responsible for creating exceptional beverage experiences for guests while maintaining the highest standards of service and hospitality. This role involves preparing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, engaging with guests to enhance their experience, and supporting the overall operations of the bar and restaurant venues.

The Bartender serves as a brand ambassador for Santa Monica Proper Hotel, ensuring every interaction reflects our commitment to luxury hospitality and personalized service. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities Prepare and serve a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to established recipes and presentation standards Greet guests warmly and provide knowledgeable recommendations on cocktails, wines, spirits, and bar menu items Maintain accurate cash handling procedures and process payments through POS systems Ensure bar area cleanliness, organization, and proper sanitation standards at all times Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering supplies as needed Check identification to verify legal drinking age and serve alcohol responsibly Collaborate effectively with restaurant servers, kitchen staff, and management team Handle guest complaints and special requests with professionalism and grace Maintain knowledge of current cocktail trends, seasonal offerings, and hotel amenities Assist with opening and closing procedures, including equipment maintenance and cleaning Support special events, private parties, and catering functions as required Follow all safety, security, and emergency procedures Uphold all company policies and procedures, including dress code and attendance standards Qualification Standards Specific Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must be at least 21 years of age Valid California RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) certification required Food Handler's Certificate required Strong knowledge of cocktail preparation, wine service, and beverage operations Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Professional appearance and demeanor Flexibility to work various shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays Basic math skills for handling cash and calculating tips Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively Team-oriented with a positive attitude Education High school diploma or equivalent required Formal bartending certification or hospitality training preferred Wine and spirit education (WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, or similar) a plus Experience Minimum 3 years of bartending experience in upscale restaurant, hotel, or hospitality environment Experience with craft cocktails and premium spirits preferred POS system experience required Hotel or luxury hospitality experience strongly preferred Physical Demands Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 8+ hours) Frequent lifting, carrying, and moving of items up to 50 pounds Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and stretch as needed Manual dexterity required for drink preparation and equipment operation Clear vision and hearing to interact with guests and follow safety procedures Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments Fast-paced movement and coordinationrequired Work Environment Exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitizing agents Fast-paced, high-energy environment with frequent guest interaction Potential exposure to loud music and crowded conditions during peak hours Work schedule includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events Professional, luxury hospitality atmosphere with high service standards Collaborative team environment with multiple departments and staff levels Why Join Proper Hospitality At Proper, we build experiences that move people — and that begins with the team behind them.

As a best-in-class employer, we’re committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together. Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it’s an opportunity to care for others and make lives better.

Guided by the Pillars of Proper , we show up with warmth and authenticity ( Care Proper ), strive for excellence in everything we do ( Achieve Proper ), think creatively and resourcefully ( Imagine Proper ), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are ( Present Proper ). We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging.

From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests. Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment — a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose.

We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically. At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job — it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together , for our guests and for one another.