Beverage Director
Culinary Agents
New York, NY, USA
Posted on Apr 8, 2026
Job Details
The Beverage Director is responsible for curating and managing all aspects of the wine and bar program. They must ensure that guests receive knowledgeable and exceptional beverage service and displays a true passion for wine and hosting - helping to create an environment where people not only have fun but feel relaxed, welcome, and connected.
Responsible for meeting all standards on:
- Service quality
- Wine quality and pour consistency
- Wine menu development
- Wine procurement and selection
- Meeting costs and margins
- Staff training and presentation
- Void, comps, and artist accounts
Essential Job Functions:
- Enforce strict adherence to company policies, health protocols, and safety standards.
- Supervise day-to-day shift activities of all staff and floor operations.
- Ensure all staff are properly trained and have the tools and equipment needed to successfully carry out their job function.
- Responsible for maintaining company standard for level of service, elevated aesthetic, cleanliness, and food and beverage quality.
- Provide assistance with service operations before and during shifts.
- Support Chef with menu adjustments and menu education.
- Prepare and plan daily pars and ensure continuity of stocks
- Curate and manage the wine list, ensuring it is comprehensive, diverse, and aligns with the company ethos, restaurant's cuisine, and price model.
- Regularly update and expand the wine selection to stay current with industry trends and customer preferences, while maintaining integrity to the company ethos.
- Collaborate with local and group suppliers and distributors to source unique and high-quality wines.
- Provide exceptional customer service by assisting guests in selecting wines that pair well with their food and profile preferences.
- Offer detailed information about the wines, including their origins, flavors, and fermentation processes.
- Recommend and suggest comparable alternative wines if requested selections are unavailable.
- Properly store, handle, and inventory wine to maintain quality and ensure it is served at the correct temperature.
- Serve wine, champagne, and other beverages with precision and grace, following established company wine service standards.
- Use appropriate glassware and proper decanting methods when necessary.
- Partner with group stakeholders on companywide initiatives, projects, and vendor relations.
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date entry of all wine offerings and costs in the POS system and inventory management system reflecting any changes as they occur.
- Conduct regular wine training sessions for staff to enhance their expertise and ability to knowledgably talk to and assist guests to guide them through the wine selection process.
- Management of company staff wine program and ensuring control and profit protection.
- Uphold strict adherence to alcoholic beverage control policies and procedures and ensure staff compliance.
- Maintain accurate accounting and records to safeguard transparency of vendor transactions and promotions.
- Ensure regular and clear communication to and between bar staff, managers, and service staff.
- Ensure efficient provisioning and purchasing of wine and restaurant inventory, products, and supplies within budget projections.
- Manage the maintenance and repairs of wine infrastructure, equipment, and appliances.
- Hold regular education sessions for colleagues on product offerings, origins, profiles, proper wine service and storage procedures.
- Lead and direct staff in service to ensure a smooth execution of wine and overall dinning experience.
- Collaborate with the culinary team to create wine and food pairing service guides.
- Manage complaints, conflicts, questions, and suggestions from customers and restaurant employees.
- Assist in planning, preparation, and execution of on-site and off-site events to maximize revenue generating opportunities.
- Oversee all aspects related wine inventory, invoices, and product procurement.
- Oversee and adhere to the management of department's controllable expenses to achieve or exceed budget.
- Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant alcohol laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.
- Organize and host wine tastings, wine pairing dinners, and other promotional events to engage customers and boost sales.
- Monitor and manage the wine inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels and minimizing wastage.
- Implement cost-effective strategies to optimize profitability.
- Aid in the implement agreed upon beverage policy and procedures throughout the property.
- Must work on the floor during peak hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Attend regular manager and team meetings.
- Manage compliance with all local, state, and Federal beverage and liquor laws.
- Maintain food handling and sanitation standards.
Additional Job Functions:
- Assist the General Manager with financial forecasting, P&L, and cost management as needed.
- Assists with developing menus and promotions as necessary.
- Collaborating to ensure beverage costs as a whole remain in line with agreed upon annual cost targets.
- Stemware inventory management as well as procurement as needed within projected OFF&E budget projections and approved styles.
Requirements:
- Extensive knowledge of wines, wine regions, grape varieties, and vintages.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent customer service and salesmanship skills.
- Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Attention to detail and a passion for wine and beverages.
- Ability to adapt to changing market trends and customer preferences while staying true to the company brand and ethos.
- TIPS & Food Handlers certification.
- Ability to manage interpersonal relationships in order to foster a culture of education and build a team that can run on their own.
- Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
- Must be able to perform repetitive bending, stooping, twisting, and lifting of products and supplies.