Beverage Director | Multi-Unit | Trendy Fine Dining

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

To lead the strategic direction and execution of the company’s beverage program, while managing our guests' expectations and directing the beverage teams towards executing a memorable service. To develop a comprehensive beverage program that align with both the company’s business and venue goals. 

While service is one of the most important aspects of this role, equally but potentially more important is the beverage programming at each location. The ideal Beverage Director is responsible for ensuring excellence in production, creativity, brand identity and overall quality, as well as managing profitability of the bar program at each location within the company’s portfolio. 

Essential Functions

This role will serve as leader, educator, coach and mentor to the Bar and Service teams by inspiring and teaching skills that will reinforce the core values of SBE. The Beverage Director will work directly with company leadership and venue management to make decisions that will impact the financial health of the business and all of our employees as well as stay aligned with the culture and policies of the company.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Beverage Director oversees the Beverage Department in Los Angeles and works in collaboration with all regions within the company.

Responsibilities:

• May at times be required to assist with related duties at the property level at managements’ direction (including travel to out of state properties)
• Understand and utilize all tools to achieve budgetary, quality control, service standards and financial goals of department
• Responsible for back bar displays, bottle placement and cleanliness
• Conduct shops of competitors for price, brands and promotions
• Responsible for recipe adherence and portion controls
• Responsible for managing needs/requirements of beverage partners with back bar placement, specialty cocktails, menu placement, and case movement.
• Actively arranging meetings, dinners, and mixers with vendors at our venues to provide additional revenue streams outside of the annual commitments that have been established.
• Responsible to stay current on industry trends, products and systems
• Monitor, track and audit against comp policy
• Streamline product selections to maximize cash sales and mitigate comp expense
• Create cocktails and bar menu direction per concept and/or location 
• Continuously researching and developing new cocktails based on seasonality, markets, and concepts
• Has complete knowledge and displays mastery of any spirit brand behind the bar, structure of the cocktail menu classic cocktails, all wines by the glass, all non-alcoholic beverages, specifications, and allergies
• Communicate activities and attend meetings deemed necessary by the Executive Leadership group or SVP
• Make recommendations to SVP on new product placement
• Actively participate and organize staff education on beer, wine and spirits, cocktail and non-alcoholic beverage offerings that enhance value and the guest experience while achieving and surpassing financial goals.
• Knows and upholds the service guidelines through consistent accountability
• Ensure that all financial and accounting reports and inventories and forecasts are completed accurately and on time.
• Consistently follow and teach the sequence of service utilizing all proper procedures and techniques that you develop within each concept
• Ensure all menu changes follow proper execution steps and maintain necessary communication and education.
• Maintain key relationships with other Beverage Managers and Operations teams.
• Perform due diligence and utilize strategy and excellent judgement in order to ensure we are getting the best possible product for the most advantageous cost
• Create and approve standardized recipes for specialty cocktails well as classics at the bar counter, service bar, and tableside
• Maintain key relationships with vendors, suppliers, distributors and other product representatives in a positive way while maintaining a positive reputation for the Company.
• Support bar operations including maintenance of all equipment, tools, and supplies and maintain equipment in good working order
• Work with the venue teams to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the bars
• Maintain complete knowledge of all menu items, liquor brands, beers and non-alcoholic selections available in the venues
• Guides the production of syrups, infusions and garnishes for the best possible product and presentation
• Participates in service/culinary education sessions
• Follow all health and safety regulations

Competencies

• Passion and pride for your work.
• Strong understanding of consumer trends across lifestyle and entertainment, as well as deep understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics.
• Ability to multitask and run handle multiple projects at one time and meet deadlines.
• Balanced combination of being collaborative and being able to take the initiative and run with a project.
• Fundamental understanding of spirits, wine and beverage in its entirety 
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, while being flexible enough to pivot quickly if needed.
• Comfortable with risk-taking to challenge and question the status quo.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• 3-5 years of Food & Beverage operations experience at a leadership level  
• Highly motivated and energetic personality
• Strong commitment to excellence in hospitality 
• Maintain a professional, neat and well-groomed appearance
• Ability and willingness to multi-task
• An entrepreneurial spirit that will strive to provide the highest quality of beverage operations to external customers

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.