Beverage Manager

Description

Job Description: Beverage Manager

Department: Food & Beverage

Overview:
As the Beverage Manager at Vast, you will have the opportunity to shape and lead an elite beverage program that has earned Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Known for its sophisticated fine dining experience and prestigious reputation, Vast is looking for a dynamic, innovative leader who will elevate its wine and cocktail offerings even further. In this role, you will manage staff training, wine list curation, floor service during evening shifts, and take charge of exciting initiatives such as craft cocktail pop-ups and exclusive wine dinners. You will also spearhead hiring, working closely with vendors to source unique selections and drive creative beverage experiences for our guests. A sommelier certification is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Beverage Program Innovation:
  • Lead the development and maintenance of a world-class wine list and beverage program, continuing to uphold Vast's prestigious, award-winning reputation.
  • Introduce and manage innovative beverage experiences, such as craft cocktail pop-ups, exclusive wine dinners, and special pairing events.
  • Collaborate with vendors to source unique wines, spirits, and craft products, ensuring Vast remains at the forefront of beverage trends.
  • Partner with the culinary team to craft seasonal beverage pairings and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Wine List & Craft Cocktail Management:
  • Oversee the curation and daily management of the wine list, ensuring a diverse and expertly selected array of wines that align with Vast's fine dining standards.
  • Develop and implement innovative cocktail menus that capture Vast’s elite reputation while appealing to a sophisticated clientele.
• Floor Service & Guest Experience:
  • Lead floor beverage service during peak dinner shifts, ensuring high levels of guest satisfaction and smooth operations.
  • Provide sommelier-level service, assisting guests with wine selections and recommendations for perfect food pairings.
  • Drive service excellence by addressing guest concerns, enhancing the overall beverage experience, and executing recovery strategies when necessary.
• Bar Scheduling, Payroll, & Staffing:
  • Manage bar staff scheduling to ensure proper coverage, especially during high-volume nights and special events.
  • Approve payroll hours and oversee accurate payroll processing for all beverage staff.
  • Participate actively in the hiring process to recruit top talent, focusing on finding passionate and skilled individuals who excel in wine, cocktails, and guest service.
• Banquet Beverage Setup:
  • Lead the setup and execution of beverage service for banquets and catered events, ensuring a seamless experience that reflects Vast’s high standards.
  • Collaborate with the banquet and culinary teams to design custom beverage menus for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.
• Vendor Relationships & Inventory Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with wine and spirit vendors to ensure access to exclusive selections.
  • Oversee inventory management, ordering, and cost control, ensuring optimal stock levels for both daily service and special events.
  • Conduct regular inventory audits and maintain accurate records of stock usage and cost control.
• Compliance & Safety:
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations, particularly around the storage and service of alcoholic beverages.
  • Uphold all regulations set forth by ABLE, ensuring that licensing, sales, and service of alcoholic beverages are in full compliance.
• Staff Development & Training:
  • Lead the hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training of beverage staff, ensuring team members are well-versed in service standards, wine knowledge, and cocktail innovation.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and career development plans for beverage team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Industry Leadership & Community Engagement:
  • Represent Vast in industry and community events, building relationships with local wine experts, spirit makers, and cocktail enthusiasts.
  • Stay informed on beverage industry trends and seek out new opportunities for innovation within Vast’s beverage program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of wine, spirits, and fine dining service.
• Passion for innovation in craft cocktails and wine programming.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mentor and train staff.
• Proven experience managing wine lists, vendor relationships, and beverage costs in a fine dining setting.
• Ability to work evening and weekend shifts, with flexibility for holidays and special events.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in beverage-related software such as Micros POS and wine inventory management systems.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure, especially during high-volume services.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a beverage leadership role in fine dining, with sommelier certification strongly preferred.
• Must possess an ABLE (Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement) license.
• Proven ability to curate and manage a wine list and beverage program.
• Experience in staff hiring, training, and development.
• Expertise in planning and executing high-profile beverage events such as wine dinners and cocktail pop-ups.
• Strong background in inventory management and vendor relations.
• ServSafe certification required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods and move quickly during service.
• Ability to lift and carry beverage cases, up to 50 lbs.

At Vast, we are looking for an enthusiastic, innovative leader who is passionate about creating exceptional beverage experiences. If you have the drive to craft a cutting-edge beverage program at one of the country’s top dining establishments, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our award-winning team!