Beverage Director

About Baroo:

Baroo is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in the Arts District, downtown LA. Baroo was the LA Times 2024 Restaurant of the Year and an Eater All-Time Best Restaurant of the Past 20 Years, among other accolades. Baroo is an independent restaurant owned and operated by husband and wife, Chef Kwang Uh and Mina Park. 

Position Overview: 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Wine/Beverage Director with a passion for fine dining and growing with our restaurant. We have a concise and thoughtful wine and beverage program that we hope to expand gradually. Salary based on experience.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Program Management & Inventory

• Manage Baroo's wine list along with a selection of Cocktails, Liquor, Beer, NA, Korean Sool, and other offerings that comprise the beverage program.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory, ensuring proper storage, rotation, and cleanliness of all beverage areas
• Receive and process all beverage deliveries, ensuring accuracy, proper cataloging, and organization
• Monitor purchasing, pricing, and product selection in partnership with management
• Maintain and update the beverage list and Toast POS in a timely and accurate manner
• Conduct regular inventory counts and ensure alignment with financial targets
• Partner with the culinary team to stay aligned on menu changes, allergies, and pairing opportunities

Service & Floor Leadership

• Lead the beverage program during service, setting the tone for professionalism, pace, and hospitality, including leading wine service
• Guide the team and lead guest interaction regarding beverages during service
• Establish and uphold beverage service standards across the team
• Coach, mentor, and hold team members accountable in real time
• Act as a visible leader on the floor, setting the example for execution and guest engagement
• Maintain and update guest preferences and notes in OpenTable
• Support planning and execution of special events, collaborations, and activations

Training & Team Development

• Communicate beverage updates clearly and consistently to the team
• Develop and maintain beverage training materials in collaboration with the management team
• Lead ongoing education through pre-shifts, tastings, and structured training sessions
• Create opportunities for team engagement through knowledge checks and quizzes
• Support the development of bartenders and service staff

Financial Oversight & Performance

• Track and report on beverage sales, trends, and cost percentages
• Identify opportunities to improve sales, profitability, and overall program performance
• Maintain strong awareness of cost control while preserving quality and integrity of the program

Ownership & Accountability

• Serve as a keyholder, responsible for opening and closing procedures and overall facility security
• Ensure all beverage and operational standards are upheld consistently
• Take ownership of the performance and evolution of the beverage program

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in wine service, including wine training and certification
• Proven experience in restaurant management within a fast-paced, high-standard environment
• A genuine passion for food, beverage, hospitality, especially fine dining and wine
• Interest in Korean food and beverage. Familiarity is a plus but not required
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
• High attention to detail, with a natural sense of hospitality and presence on the floor
• Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment
• Strong understanding of LA Department of Health standards, with the ability to maintain and uphold all food safety and sanitation practices
• Required certifications, including manager food handler and RBS certifications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25lbs if necessary
• Safely and effectively use all necessary tools and equipment
• Stand and walk for an entire shift, including moving safely through all areas of the restaurant

Benefits:

• Health insurance stipend
• Paid Time Off
• On-site Parking
• Family Meals

Baroo is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, ancestry, national origin, alienage or citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, or other protected status.