Beverage Manager / Mixologist

SUMMARY:
Japanese Restaurant in Cape Town is looking for a Beverage Manager / Mixologist to oversee all bar operations while designing creative drink menus and crafting high-end craft cocktails.
 
Key duties include managing inventory and costs, training and leading bar staff, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws.

POSITION INFO:
Duties:
 
Develop, curate, and maintain all beverage and cocktail menus
Create balanced, creative, and cost‑effective beverage lists aligned with brand and concept direction.
Lead the innovation of cocktails, mocktails, and specialty beverages, ensuring alignment with global trends and guest preferences.
Represent and promote the restaurant’s beverage program both internally and externally.
Ensure impeccable beverage service delivery
Educate team members on ingredients, preparation techniques, beverage pairings, and service style.
Interact with guests, provide recommendations, and elevate their drink experience
Handle guest feedback professionally and efficiently, turning moments of service recovery into positive experiences.
Oversee day‑to‑day beverage operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to restaurant standards.
Maintain all bar areas and storage in excellent operational and aesthetic condition.
Conduct regular walk‑throughs to identify repair needs, product replenishment requirements, and improvement opportunities.
Ensure proper handling, storage, rotation, and presentation of all beverage products.
Develop and maintain beverage cost targets through effective inventory control and ordering practices.
Conduct monthly stock reviews, ensure accurate requisitions, and minimize waste.
Use menu engineering and sales analytics to optimize profitability and performance.
Coordinate with procurement to source high‑quality, cost‑effective products aligned with the beverage concept.
Train, coach, and mentor bartenders and service employees to elevate beverage knowledge and skills.
Develop training materials for cocktails, spirits, wine, and non‑alcoholic programs.
Lead pre‑shift briefings, product tastings, and ongoing upskilling programs.
Support a collaborative, positive, and professional team culture.
Ensure all POS systems accurately reflect beverage menus and pricing.
Comply with all Health, Safety, and Hygiene regulations related to beverage production, storage, and service.
Uphold grooming, service, and product standards consistently across all beverage operations.
 
Requirements:
 
Grade 12
Beverage‑related certifications (WSET, Mixology/Bar Academy, etc.).
Minimum 2–3 years of bartending or mixology experience with demonstrated creativity.
Strong beverage knowledge: spirits, wine, beer, coffee, tea, and mixology techniques.
Experience with POS systems
Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving ability.
Excellent personal presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under pressure.
Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Experience in luxury restaurants or upscale cocktail venues.
Strong passion for innovation and continuous learning in the beverage field.
Dedicated team player with a proactive, “can‑do” attitude