Head Bartender/Bar Manager

The Strange Bird is a new coffee, wine and cocktail bar opening on Wilmington’s riverfront. We’re building something a little different: exceptional coffee, interesting wines and spirits from around the world, thoughtfully made cocktails, unusual chocolate, and other things worth discovering.

Curated. Curious. Strange.

We’re looking for an experienced Head Bartender / Bar Manager who can help set the standard behind the bar and confidently run the operation when the owner isn’t there.

This is a hands-on position. You’ll work behind the bar alongside the rest of the team while also taking responsibility for opening and closing, leading shifts, cash handling, product quality, cleanliness, inventory awareness, staff support, and making sure the bar runs the way it should.

Our beverage program crosses categories: cocktails, whiskey, wine, beer, batch coffee, pour-over, cold brew, and zero-proof drinks. We don’t expect one person to arrive as an expert in all of them. We do expect strong bartending fundamentals, curiosity, good judgment, and the ability to learn quickly.

What we’re looking for

• Meaningful bartending and/or bar leadership experience
• Ability to confidently open and close without supervision
• Ability to lead a shift and solve problems independently
• Strong understanding of responsible alcohol service
• Comfortable with cash handling and end-of-shift procedures
• Takes consistency, cleanliness, and organization seriously
• Able to help train and support other team members
• Comfortable monitoring inventory, restocking, and communicating what needs attention
• Interested in learning about unusual spirits, wine, coffee, and other products
• Warm, knowledgeable hospitality without pretension
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable taking responsibility for the space
• Weekend availability is required
• Day and evening shifts are available

The Strange Bird isn’t a traditional coffee shop, cocktail bar, or nightclub. We’re a small operation, which means we need someone who notices what needs to be done and does it—whether that’s making a great cocktail, helping a guest discover something unusual, dialing in a drink, changing a keg, cleaning a station, training a team member, or handling an issue during a shift.

There will also be room for the right person to contribute ideas as the beverage program develops.

Opening Fall 2026

To apply, send us your resume and a short note answering two questions:

What makes someone great behind a bar?

What’s one bottle, cocktail, coffee, or other drink you’ve discovered that you think more people should know about?

Pay: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person