French-Speaking Bartender

A luxury tented safari lodge, set within a private Big Five reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a polished and guest-focused FRENCH-SPEAKING BARTENDER to join their team.

The ideal candidate is a confident, detail-driven bartender who can deliver five-star beverage service in a remote bush setting, from sundowner cocktails to boma dinners and private functions. You will bring product knowledge, creativity and a warm, professional manner to every guest interaction, including those who prefer to be served in French.

Core Criteria:

• Fluent in French, with strong English communication skills
• Previous experience as a Bartender in a luxury lodge, hotel or high-end hospitality environment
• Strong product knowledge across cocktails, wines, spirits, beers and non-alcoholic beverages
• Sound understanding of stock control, HACCP and hygiene standards
• Knowledge of responsible alcohol service and South African liquor regulations
• Ability to work calmly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanour
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Cultural awareness and emotional intelligence
• Willingness to work shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
• Comfortable working in outdoor and bush dining settings, and following wildlife safety protocols

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide warm, personalised bar service to all guests, in French and English
• Prepare and serve cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers and spirits to five-star standards
• Anticipate guest preferences and create tailored, memorable experiences
• Maintain consistent quality, presentation and portion control
• Keep the bar stocked, clean and presentable, with mise en place ready at all times
• Support beverage service during meals, boma dinners, bush events and private functions
• Assist with stock counts, requisitions and stock rotation
• Store and handle all beverages correctly, and minimise wastage, breakages and variances
• Report low stock levels and equipment issues promptly
• Uphold HACCP, hygiene and cleanliness standards
• Ensure responsible alcohol service in line with lodge policy and liquor regulations
• Handle guest feedback and requests professionally, escalating where needed
• Work closely with waiters, F&B supervisors, kitchen staff and management
• Attend daily briefings and share guest preferences and special occasions with the team
• Assist with cash handling and POS procedures where applicable
• Complete daily cleaning schedules and bar checklists
• Comply with SOPs and brand standards