Lead Mixologist

Compensation Type

Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in major U.S. gateway cities including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a growing Caribbean and Latin America footprint. The hospitality forward company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate has a proven record of developing its diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts with contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, and Seattle. www.highgate.com.

Location

Situated at the end of famed Canal Street, The Westin New Orleans offers stunning views of the mighty Mississippi River and the French Quarter. Guests are just steps from the Shops at Canal Place and Harrah’s Casino and a short walk to the excitement of Bourbon Street and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The hotel features 462 rooms and suites, including a Presidential Suite, with Westin's signature Heavenly® bedding, 34,000-sq-ft of event space, a fully equipped WestinWORKOUT fitness center, a lobby bar Observatory 11 with the best view of the French Quarter anywhere, and a new restaurant Bistro at the Bend.

Overview

The Lead Mixologist is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all aspects of Observatory 11 operations, while maintaining a profitable F&B outlet and high-quality products and service levels.  He/she is expected to market ideas to promote business; reduce employee turnover; maintain revenue and payroll budgets; and meet budgeted productivity while keeping quality consistently high.

Responsibilities

Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.

Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.

Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.

Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.

Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.

Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including wearing nametags.

Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.

Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.

Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.

Must be able to train, assign duties and delegate tasks.

Must hold team accountable for their performance.

Maximize the Guest Satisfaction Scores

Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.

Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.

Perform other duties as requested by management.

Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.

Solid understanding of flavor profiles and how to develop palate-pleasing drinks

Be well-versed in the culinary art of making cocktails and mixed drinks

Exceptional communication skills

Experience maintaining budgets and excellent liquor and labor costs

Strong work-ethic and proactive attitude for contributing to company growth

3 years of experience as a lead mixologist or craft cocktail master

Employees must at all times be attentive, friendly, helpful and courteous to all guests, managers and fellow employees.

Oversee all aspects of the daily operation of the hotel’s beverage program / operation

Supervise all beverage personnel.

Responsible for training all bar staff on cocktail menu items.

Oversee monthly inventory

Respond to guest complaints in a timely manner.

Work with other F&B managers and keep them informed of F&B issues as they arise.

Keep immediate supervisor fully informed of all problems or matters requiring his/her attention.

Coordinate and monitor all phases of Loss Prevention in the F&B outlets.

Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.

Ensure preparation of required reports, including (but not limited to) Wage Progress, payroll, revenue, employee Schedules, quarterly actions plans.

Monitor quality of service in bar.

Assist in menu planning and preparation.

Ensure compliance with all local liquor laws, and health and sanitation regulations.

Ensure compliance with SOP’s in the bar.

Ensure compliance with requisition procedures.

Be visible on the floor and assist staff as needed during each meal period.

Conduct staff performance reviews in accordance with Highgate Hotel standards.

Comply with weekly and monthly forecasting procedures.

Ensure the training of employees on SOP’s, report preparation and technical job tasks.

Be involved in and/or conduct departmental and hotel training (CARE, One to One), etc.

Interview candidates for front-of-house F&B positions and follow standards for hiring approvals.

Ensure overall guest satisfaction.

Conduct monthly inventories

Make all purchases related to Observatory 11

Responsible for creating cocktails for banquets or catering upon request

Qualifications

At least 4 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 4-year college degree and at least 1 years of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and 2 or more years of related experience.

Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing.

Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.

Long hours sometimes required.

Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.