News

Job Opening: Lead Bartender

Position  Lead Bartender
Organization  SAW

Employment type
Permanent, part-time (event-based)

Salary
$19 per hour, plus tips

Language requirement
Fluency in both French and English is essential

Working hours
An average of approximately 15 hours per week. Bartending hours vary according to the events calendar (primarily evenings and weekends), and additional hours may be available during busier periods.

Closing date for applications
Friday, July 24, 2026

Start date
Mid-August 2026

About SAW

Founded in Ottawa in 1973, SAW is a non-profit artist-run centre dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art. Today, with its strong focus on outreach and community development, SAW boasts an annual audience of over 30,000 people. The centre’s risk-taking exhibition program presents the work of many artists who are not often considered by other Canadian art institutions. An evolving space comprised of its exhibition spaces, the Nordic Lab, Club SAW, the SAW outdoor courtyard and the Rochon Residence, the centre is an ideal venue for the presentation of performance, media art and new artistic practices. Located in Canada’s National Capital region, SAW actively participates in political discourse arounprofild cultural diversity, the rights of artists and freedom of expression. SAW acknowledges and upholds the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Every year, over 1,000 artists and musicians perform at Club SAW at key moments of their careers. A flexible space accommodating an audience of 285, Club SAW is a defining feature of SAW and contributes significantly to the character of the centre as a whole. Equipped with a bar and a state-of-the-art sound system, it is used for screenings, concerts, artist talks, festival hubs, panel discussions, conferences, book launches, theatre plays, receptions and workshops. Renovated in 2019, Club SAW has doubled in size and features a bar with a focus on local products, a deployable pop-up gallery, a green room for performers, an accessible stage, all-gender washrooms and an outdoor courtyard completely renovated for the presentation of summer festivals and events.

Job profile

Under the supervision of the Bar Manager, the Lead Bartender serves as the shift lead during events, helping coordinate bar operations alongside the Bar Manager or when the Bar Manager is absent. They are responsible for opening and closing the bar, serving guests, preparing beverages, processing payments and following established cash-handling and inventory procedures. They ensure that bar areas are consistently maintained in a clean, safe and orderly manner, and support the Bar Manager with inventory management and the overall upkeep of the venue.

Key responsibilities

  • Deliver a consistently high level of customer service to each guest by providing attentive, courteous and efficient service;
  • Take beverage orders and serve drinks in a timely and friendly manner;
  • Mix beverages according to set standard recipes;
  • Collect cash and card payments and operate cash registers following required procedures;
  • Serve responsibly to ensure guest safety;
  • Adhere to all relevant legislation regarding the service of liquor;
  • Ensure a clean and safe venue by regularly clearing drinkware during events;
  • Maintain bar facilities (bar area, bar storage, coat check, outdoor courtyard, green room) clean, safe and organized;
  • Assist with inventory management, including stocking and organizing;
  • Follow established opening and closing procedures;
  • Communicate with the Bar Manager about situations that may impact service as they arise;
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude and collaborate respectfully with management and staff;
  • Represent SAW as an ambassador and point of contact during rentals and events, and assist patrons by providing information on SAW’s programs and activities as required;
  • Follow health, safety and fire standards in accordance with SAW guidelines and policies, the City of Ottawa, and the AGCO;
  • Participate in mandatory staff training;
  • Work coat-check shifts in rotation with other bartenders, as needed;
  • Act as shift lead during events, supporting the coordination of bartending staff and ensuring smooth service flow, alongside the Bar Manager or when the Bar Manager is absent;
  • Provide on-shift support and direction to bartenders as needed, and serve as a point of reference during events; 
  • Oversee opening and closing procedures to ensure consistency and compliance;
  • Monitor bar operations during events and proactively address issues related to service, cleanliness or safety;
  • Contribute to the cleanliness and upkeep of bar areas and equipment, including scheduled deep cleaning as needed.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of two years of bartending or service experience;
  • Fluency in French and English is mandatory; this public-facing role requires ease of communication in both languages; 
  • Experience in a supervisory or lead role is an asset;
  • Smart Serve certification;
  • Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills;
  • Basic mathematical skills;
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment;
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure;
  • Ability to build positive working relationships and work collaboratively with management and staff to support the smooth operation of events;
  • A consistently friendly, positive and professional attitude;
  • Enjoys engaging with the public and creating a welcoming environment;
  • Ability to work in a standing position for long periods;
  • Ability to lift and carry large quantities of product;
  • Availability to work evenings and weekend shifts;
  • Flexibility to work within an irregular schedule;
  • Intermediate knowledge of spirits, wine, beer and mixed cocktails is an asset;
  • An interest in contemporary art and an understanding of artist-run centres are assets;
  • A record of satisfactory attendance and punctuality is required.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter and a copy of your résumé to info@saw-centre.com by Friday, July 24, 2026, with “Lead Bartender” in the subject line.

SAW is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous peoples, Black people, people of colour, persons with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQ2S+.

All applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail indicating receipt of the application.