Head Bartender

Head Bartender — CLAY Bali | Ubud

JOB SUMMARY
Lead the bar at CLAY Bali. Create Silk Road-inspired cocktails, develop the team and deliver warm, confident hospitality in Ubud.

ABOUT CLAY

CLAY is a premium restaurant and lounge in Ubud, inspired by the Silk Road — its flavours, textures and traditions of gathering around the table.

Downstairs, open fire, tandoor bread and sharing plates bring energy to dinner. Upstairs, tea, soft light and an intimate lounge invite guests to slow down.

Our bar connects these two worlds through flavour, storytelling and thoughtful service.

THE ROLE

We are looking for a Head Bartender with a strong palate, creative vision and the discipline to run a consistent, well-organised bar.

You should be equally comfortable developing a signature cocktail, leading a busy service, coaching a bartender and reviewing beverage costs. You will work closely with management and the kitchen to make the drinks programme a distinctive part of the CLAY experience.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop signature cocktails inspired by Silk Road flavours, using spices, herbs, tea and seasonal ingredients with balance and purpose.
• Build a thoughtful non-alcoholic selection with the same attention to flavour and presentation.
• Turn creative ideas into clear recipes, precise measurements, preparation standards and consistent presentation.
• Give signature drinks a name and a story that the team can share naturally with guests.
• Lead daily bar operations, including preparation, service, opening and closing procedures.
• Train the team in classic cocktails, signature recipes, product knowledge, cleanliness and guest interaction.
• Manage stock counts, ordering, storage, wastage and beverage costing.
• Maintain speed, accuracy and hospitality during busy service.
• Work with the kitchen and floor team on pairings, recommendations and the overall flow of the evening.
• Uphold food safety, responsible alcohol service and a clean, organised workspace.

WHO YOU ARE

• You have proven experience as a Head Bartender, Bar Supervisor or Senior Bartender ready to lead.
• Your background includes a quality restaurant, cocktail bar, hotel or hospitality venue.
• You have strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, flavour balance and modern bar techniques.
• You can create drinks that are memorable, commercially practical and consistently executable.
• You understand recipe costing, stock control and waste reduction.
• You lead by example, communicate clearly and stay composed under pressure.
• You speak English confidently with international guests and colleagues.
• You are available to work in Ubud, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

WHY CLAY

This is an opportunity to shape a bar with a clear identity and a rich creative direction.

Think tea, spice, smoke, citrus, herbs and clay vessels — brought together with restraint, good taste and genuine hospitality. Every creative choice should make the drink better and the guest experience more meaningful.

We value leaders who take ownership, share their knowledge and care as much about the team’s consistency as their own craft.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with your CV and a short introduction explaining why you would like to lead the bar at CLAY.

Include written descriptions of two cocktails you have created or helped develop, outlining their ingredients, flavour profiles and the thinking behind them.

Bring your palate, your standards and your ability to lead.