Beverage Manager

Roles and responsibilities

As a Director of Beverage,you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of beverage operations across multiple outlets within our high-turnover, brand-driven hotel. This role involves strategizing and driving revenue through innovative beverage programs, controlling costs, and managing supplier contracts. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strong leadership skills, commercial acumen, and an in-depth knowledge of beverage trends, ensuring the highest standards of service and guest satisfaction while optimizing financial performance.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

Revenue Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive beverage strategy that aligns with the hotel's overall goals.
• Drive revenue through pricing strategies, product mix optimization, and the creation of unique beverage experiences.
• Identify trends and incorporate innovative concepts to enhance the hotel's competitive positioning.
  

Financial & Cost Management

• Create and manage budgets, forecasting expenses and revenues for beverage operations across all outlets.
• Monitor and control costs by implementing efficient inventory and procurement practices, ensuring the achievement of financial targets.
• Conduct regular financial analyses and reporting, including sales performance, profit margins, and cost control metrics.
  

Supplier Relations & Contract Negotiation

• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to ensure the best quality products at competitive prices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, identifying opportunities for partnership and value-add initiatives.
• Oversee all beverage purchasing, ensuring that supplier terms and conditions align with the hotel's financial goals and standards.
  

Operational Excellence & Quality Control

• Ensure consistency and quality in beverage preparation, presentation, and service across all outlets.
• Collaborate with the culinary and service teams to create cohesive food and beverage experiences.
• Conduct regular staff training and development programs to maintain high standards of product knowledge and service.

Desired candidate profile

1. Beverage Knowledge and Expertise

• Description: Extensive knowledge of various types of alcoholic beverages (e.g., wines, spirits, cocktails, beers) as well as non-alcoholic beverages, including emerging trends in craft cocktails, health-conscious options, and sustainability initiatives.
• Why It’s Important: The Director of Beverage is often the expert in the team, setting the standard for drink quality and innovation. Understanding beverage trends and industry innovations allows them to stay competitive and meet customer demands.

2. Leadership and Team Management

• Description: Strong leadership skills to manage, train, and motivate beverage staff (bartenders, sommeliers, servers) and collaborate with kitchen, sales, and marketing teams. Ability to manage large teams across multiple venues or locations.
• Why It’s Important: A well-led beverage team contributes to smooth operations, improved customer service, and a positive work culture. Motivating staff and providing development opportunities leads to a more skilled team and better results.

3. Financial Acumen and Budget Management

• Description: Ability to oversee budgets, control costs, maximize profit margins, and achieve revenue targets. This includes setting pricing strategies, managing inventory, and ensuring efficient operations.
• Why It’s Important: Financial oversight ensures that beverage operations remain profitable while keeping expenses (e.g., waste, spoilage, overstock) under control. A strong focus on ROI (Return on Investment) and profitability is key to long-term success.

4. Menu Development and Beverage Program Strategy

• Description: Expertise in designing, curating, and constantly evolving the beverage menu, which includes creating a balanced mix of offerings that appeal to customers and align with the business’s overall brand.
• Why It’s Important: The beverage menu plays a key role in attracting customers, differentiating the establishment, and ensuring that offerings are aligned with customer preferences, seasonal trends, and food pairings.

5. Marketing and Branding

• Description: Experience in developing and executing marketing strategies to promote the beverage program, including signature cocktails, wine pairings, or seasonal specials.
• Why It’s Important: Marketing is essential for attracting guests, building brand loyalty, and creating buzz. Promoting beverage offerings through creative campaigns, social media, events, and collaborations helps elevate the brand and increase sales.

6. Customer Service and Guest Experience

• Description: Strong focus on the customer experience, ensuring that the beverage service meets or exceeds guest expectations. This includes implementing service standards, ensuring drink quality, and addressing any issues or concerns.
• Why It’s Important: The overall success of a beverage program depends on the customer experience. Happy customers are more likely to return, recommend the venue, and spend more.

7. Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations

• Description: In-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations related to alcohol service, including age restrictions, licensing, and health and safety protocols (e.g., handling alcohol, health codes, and hygiene).
• Why It’s Important: Compliance with legal and health regulations is essential to avoid penalties, fines, or legal issues, and to ensure the safety and well-being of guests and staff.

8. Innovation and Trend Spotting

• Description: Keeping up with trends in the beverage industry, including emerging drink styles, new spirits, local producers, and innovative ways of serving beverages (e.g., sustainable packaging, low-alcohol cocktails, or zero-proof beverages).
• Why It’s Important: Innovation keeps the beverage program fresh and appealing to a wide variety of customers. Staying ahead of trends allows the establishment to remain competitive and relevant.

9. Inventory and Supply Chain Management

• Description: Expertise in managing beverage inventory, ordering supplies, ensuring the right stock levels, and working closely with suppliers to source quality products.
• Why It’s Important: Efficient inventory management ensures that the venue can meet customer demand without overstocking or running out of key ingredients. Maintaining relationships with reliable suppliers also helps to control costs.