Head of Beverage - Lifestyle Group

The Head of Beverage oversees all beverages, wines, spirits, cocktails and the service of, across all Lifestyle Group outlets, ensuring consistency, creativity and profitability. This role is responsible for recipe development, supplier relationships, cost control, wine procurement, wine program management, bar team mentoring and floor service.
The goal is to drive innovation within strict operational timelines.
The Head of Beverage ensures all beverage offerings align with the group’s standards while meeting budgeted cost of sale targets, manning targets and enhancing guest experience.

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Key Duties & Responsibilities 

Leadership

• Define and implement the beverage vision and standards for all bars and outlets.
• Lead the creation and development of cocktail and beverage menus across all brands.
• Mentor Sommeliers, Floor Staff, Bar Managers and Senior Bartenders, fostering a culture of creativity, efficiency, and excellence.
• Ensure consistency across outlets with beverage presentation, service, and standards.

Financial Management

• Develop and maintain all beverage recipes to meet budgeted cost of sale targets.
• Monitor Wine & Beverage cost performance through regular analysis of stock, wastage and sales mix.
• Implement standardised recipe cards, costing templates, and stock management controls across all outlets.
• Work closely with Purchasing to ensure cost-effective sourcing without compromising on quality.

Wine Program Management
 

• Oversee and manage the wine lists and offering across all outlets with a focus on consistency of wine by the glass.
• Collaborate with outlet managers and sommeliers to ensure correct pricing, stock management, and training.
• Support the development of wine training programs for FOH teams to enhance guest experience.
• Work directly with the CEO of Lifestyle on the wine direction of the company.

Menu & Product Development

• Lead and enforce Wine, Cocktail and Beverage menu changes within strict pre-agreed deadlines.
• Seasonal changes to the Wine Menu in line with market trends.
• Ensure seasonal and innovative offerings are aligned with brand concepts and commercial needs.
• Collaborate with Marketing to launch new products and promotions.

Staff Management & Training

• Provide regular training and development opportunities for Bar Managers, Sommeliers, Floor Staff and Senior Bartenders.
• Ensure strong knowledge of Wines, Recipes, ingredients and service standards within bar and floor teams.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and support career development across beverage staff.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Maintain group-wide beverage SOPs and ensure compliance across all sites.
• Ensure all beverage operations adhere to health and safety, hygiene, and licensing laws.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure stock levels, storage, and presentation are in line with group standards.

Guest Experience

• Champion the guest experience through beverage & wine quality, presentation and service.
• Address guest feedback relating to beverage offerings and make necessary adjustments with operations teams.
• Ensure premium, balanced, and accessible beverage menus are delivered across all concepts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the Culinary, Operations and Events teams to support cross-outlet initiatives.
• Collaborate on event menus, seasonal promotions, and guest experience enhancements.
• Ensure alignment of beverage strategy with the group’s overall operational and brand objectives.

Key Skills

Experience

• Proven experience as Head Mixologist or senior beverage leader across multi-site hospitality operations.
• Strong background in beverage development, cost control, and leading diverse teams.
• WSET Level 3 must be held or in process

Leadership & Management

• Ability to lead and inspire bar, wine leaders and beverage teams.
• Experience in mentoring and developing talent at all levels.

Financial Acumen

• Expertise in wine and beverage costing, inventory control and profit optimisation.
• Strong understanding of P&L management and commercial decision-making.

Communication Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, and Events teams.

Educational Background

• Formal mixology or beverage-related qualification preferred.
• WSET Level 3 or equivalent certification advantageous.

Performance Metrics

• Achieving beverage and wine cost of sale targets across all outlets.
• Timely and successful rollout of wine & new beverage menus and products.
• Consistency and quality in wine by the glass and cocktail offerings.
• Bar team development, retention, and guest satisfaction related to beverage.

This role is central to driving beverage excellence and innovation, ensuring consistent standards across the group while optimising profitability and supporting brand identity and guest satisfaction throughout all Lifestyle Group outlets.