Head of Beverage - Lifestyle Group

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Define and implement the beverage vision and standards for all bars and outlets.
• Led 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• Able to collaborate effectively with Operations, Marketing, Culinary, and Events teams.

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.