Head Bartender

Location: Hakuba

Contract: Seasonal / Full time

Period: November 2026 - March 2027

Work hours: Average of 40 hours per week

THE ROLE OVERVIEW

Join the HHG mixology crew as a proficient cocktail artisan. As a mixologist, your mission encompasses crafting and presenting an array of tantalizing drinks, delivering top-notch patron care, and upholding a pristine and methodical bar expanse. The exemplary candidate should possess skillful mixology expertise, radiate a friendly demeanor, and thrive in a dynamic atmosphere. In addition to mixing drinks, staff could also be asked to serve food and coffee. These roles could involve working late nights.

HEAD BARTENDER DUTIES

1. Mixing Expertise: Skillfully craft and serve a diverse range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Know cocktail recipes, garnish techniques, and the art of drink presentation.
2. Customer service: provide friendly, efficient, and attentive service to customers. Engage with patrons, understand their preferences, and address their needs in a courteous manner.
3. VIP Client Interaction: Engage with high-level clients gracefully, meeting their specific needs and providing an elevated experience.
4. Food service: serve food, clear tables, and assist with other service tasks associated with the bar or restaurant. Knowledge of menu items, recommendations, and the ability to work alongside kitchen staff.
5. Coffee preparation: make a variety of coffee beverages, including espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. Be familiar with different brewing methods, coffee flavor profiles, and the ability to handle coffee equipment with skill.
6. Cash handling: Process payment transactions accurately and efficiently.
7. Cleanliness and hygiene: Understand proper sanitation practices in a bar environment, including maintaining a clean and organized bar area, sanitizing utensils, and following health and safety regulations.
8. Teamwork: collaborate effectively with other staff members, such as servers, kitchen staff, and management, to ensure smooth operations and exceptional customer experiences.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Previous experience as a head bartender or mixologist
• Legal right to live and work in Japan (typically via a Working Holiday Visa)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours, evenings, mornings, weekends, and holidays, as per the requirements of the establishment
• Ability to handle a fast-paced and dynamic work environment and to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects (such as kegs or cases of beverages), and handle the physical demands of the job
• Strong work ethic and a team first mentality
• English fluency; Japanese a bonus
• Driving license and International Driving Permit
• Ability to commit until March 31, 2027

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE LIKE

• You are reliable, respectful, and professional in attitude and appearance
• You enjoy working in a team and adapt easily to new environments
• You are solution-focused and calm under pressure
• You love nature, snow, and creating great guest experiences

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

• Competitive hourly rate
• Subsidized shared accommodation
• Discounts at all HHG restaurants and bars
• A variety of shift patterns to allow for plenty of time on the mountain
• The opportunity to live and work and play in one of the world's snowiest ski resorts
• Potential for longer-term or returning opportunities

BARTENDING SHIFTS

Bartenders are expected to work up to 40 hours per week in flexible shifts that can extend until 2am to accommodate the bar's operating hours. Shifts may also include morning shifts starting at 7am for breakfast service, as well as evening shifts covering lunch and dinner hours.

ACCOMMODATION

HHG provides staff accommodation in central Hakuba (mainly in Happo Village, Wadano, and Kamishiro). Options include shared, dormitory, or private rooms depending on your role.