Head Bartender - (Pre-Opening) Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur
With thousands of hotels in over 100 countries and territories, Hilton offers countless opportunities to delight. From an open door to a welcoming smile and an exceptional experience, we offer the millions of travelers who stay with us every year a welcome they will never forget. In addition to our flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the family of brands includes Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Conrad, Canopy, Curio Collection, DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton and many others.
If you appreciate the impact global travel can have on the world, you may be just the person we are looking for to work as a Hilton Team Member. Because it’s with Hilton where we never forget the reason we're here: to delight our guests, Team Members, and owners alike.
Are you a creative mixologist with a passion for crafting exceptional cocktails and inspiring bar teams to achieve service excellence? Join our prestigious 5‑star luxury hotel, where innovation, elegance, and attention to detail define every guest interaction. As Head Bartender at Coda, you will lead the bar program, curating signature drinks and ensuring flawless service and presentation. This is an opportunity to shape the identity of our bar, elevate beverage standards, and deliver memorable guest experiences. Step into a role that embodies artistry, innovation, and the prestige of world‑class hospitality.
What will I be doing?
As the Head Bartender, you will be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:
Operations
Lead daily bar operations in accordance with hotel policies and Waldorf Astoria luxury service standards.
Develop and implement innovative cocktail menus aligned with the outlet concept and brand positioning.
Ensure proper bar setup, mise-en-place, cleanliness, and readiness prior to service periods.
Maintain consistency in beverage preparation, presentation, and service rituals.
Collaborate with culinary and service teams to create exceptional beverage pairing opportunities.
Maintain a strong presence at the bar to engage guests and deliver personalised experiences.
Ensure adherence to food safety, hygiene, and responsible alcohol service standards.
Support execution of bar events, brand activations, guest shifts, and promotional activities.
Leadership & Culture
Inspire, train, and mentor bartenders to deliver exceptional craftsmanship and luxury service standards.
Support recruitment, training, coaching, and performance development of bar team members.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes creativity and teamwork.
Conduct pre-shift briefings, cocktail trainings, and product knowledge sessions.
Encourage innovation and continuous improvement within the bar programme.
Administration
Maintain accurate beverage recipes, cocktail manuals, and operational documentation.
Assist in roster planning to ensure optimal staffing levels aligned with business demand.
Support development and implementation of SOPs, training manuals, and service procedures.
Ensure proper use of POS systems, inventory platforms, and operational technology tools.
Financial & Cost Control
Support bar financial performance through menu engineering and strategic beverage pricing.
Monitor inventory control, stock rotation, and purchasing processes.
Minimize waste and ensure cost efficiency across all beverage operations.
Promote upselling initiatives and premium spirit recommendations.
Ensure accurate billing, cashiering procedures, and compliance with financial controls.
Guest & Team Experience
Deliver anticipatory and personalized service aligned with Waldorf Astoria luxury standards.
Build strong guest relationships through engaging cocktail storytelling and beverage knowledge.
Guide team members in handling VIP guests and special occasions with professionalism and discretion.
Support team morale and contribute to a positive working environment.
Health & Safety
Ensure compliance with hotel safety policies, sanitation standards, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain proper handling and storage of spirits, ingredients, and bar equipment.
Report maintenance issues, safety hazards, and incidents promptly.
Support emergency response procedures and risk management protocols.
Communication & Collaboration
Maintain effective communication with all hotel departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
Work closely with the Director of Bars, culinary team, purchasing, and marketing departments.
Participate in departmental meetings, operational reviews, and training sessions.
Represent the bar professionally in interactions with guests, suppliers, and industry partners.
Other Duties
Support sustainability initiatives, brand campaigns, and pre-opening activities.
Stay informed of global beverage trends, cocktail techniques, and industry innovations.
Contribute to concept development and positioning of the bar as a leading destination venue.
Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by management.
What are we looking for?
A Head Bartender serving Hilton Brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a passion for luxury hospitality.
Proven expertise in cocktail development, premium spirits, and mixology techniques.
Ability to resolve guest feedback with professionalism and effective service recovery.
High standards of personal grooming, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Flexibility to work varied schedules including weekends and holidays.
Strong financial awareness with experience in beverage cost control and inventory management.
Knowledge of global cocktail trends and luxury bar concepts.
Excellent communication, presentation, and guest engagement skills.
What will it be like to work for Hilton?
Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brand. Our vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!