We invite you to join the world of luxury hospitality at Fairmont Southampton as our new Beverage Manager. The Beverage Manager reports to the Director, Food & Beverage and is responsible for overseeing all beverage operations across the resort, including restaurants, lounges, bars, banquets, in-room dining, and special events. This role ensures exceptional guest experiences through elevated beverage offerings, strong vendor partnerships, menu innovation, and exceptional team leadership. The Beverage Manager plays a key part in driving beverage revenue, maintaining cost control, and upholding Fairmont’s luxury service and brand standards.
Key Responsibilities
Beverage Program Leadership
- Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the resort’s beverage program across all outlets and banquet operations.
- Curate beverage menus including wine lists, spirits, cocktails, and zero-proof offerings aligned with brand philosophy and market trends.
- Lead storytelling and activation of Fairmont’s beverage identity, showcasing local influences and premium selections.
- Conduct regular tastings, beverage training sessions, and menu launch events for colleagues.
- Ensure consistency in recipes, pour standards, beverage preparation, and guest presentation.
Operations & Quality Assurance
- Oversee daily beverage operations to ensure flawless execution and exceptional guest satisfaction.
- Own and enforce responsible service of alcohol (RSA/TIPS) standards across all outlets, ensuring legal compliance, training, and consistent execution.
- Monitor product quality, bar cleanliness, glassware presentation, and equipment maintenance.
- Ensure all beverage areas comply with Accor/Fairmont brand standards, health regulations, and licensing requirements.
- Develop and maintain detailed LSOPs for beverage production, storage, and service standards.
- Support banquet and event operations with premium beverage experiences and efficient service strategies.
Financial Performance & Inventory Control
- Monitor beverage cost performance and ensure alignment with budgeted targets.
- Forecast beverage needs and work closely with the Purchasing/Procurement team to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Oversee inventory procedures for all beverage outlets, ensuring accurate counts, proper stock rotation, and compliance with control standards.
- Monitor beverage variances, breakage, and losses, implementing corrective actions to protect profitability.
- Review consumption and sales reports to identify trends, opportunities, and recommended menu adjustments or promotions to drive revenue.
- Develop and implement seasonal menus, pairing experiences, and signature beverage offerings in collaboration with Culinary and Marketing.
- Provide input to Procurement on preferred products, volume needs, and potential promotional partnerships.
- Partner with Finance and IT to ensure effective use of POS, inventory, and reporting systems related to beverage operations.
- Partner with Procurement on supplier relations, ensuring optimal product quality, availability, and pricing alignment, without directly managing negotiations.
- Own and manage beverage cost of sales (COS), ensuring performance aligns with budgeted targets through effective purchasing, inventory control, portioning, and waste management.
Team Training & Leadership
- Train, coach, and inspire bartenders and service teams to deliver knowledgeable, polished, luxury beverage service.
- Conduct regular skills development sessions on wine, spirits, mixology, and service technique.
- Create a culture of professionalism, creativity, and continuous learning within the beverage team.
Guest Experience & Brand Ambassadorship
- Engage with guests to provide recommendations, pairings, and personalized beverage guidance.
- Address guest concerns or special requests promptly and professionally.
- Uphold Fairmont’s commitment to service excellence through visibility in bars, lounges, and events.
- Build memorable beverage moments through unique presentations, storytelling, and experiential service elements.
Vendor & Partner Relations
- Build strong relationships with distributors, wineries, breweries, and spirit partners.
- Organize vendor-led training, tastings, and activation events.
- Stay informed on industry trends, emerging products, and competitive landscape.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Executive Chef, Sommelier, outlet managers, and banquet leadership to ensure cohesive food & beverage experiences.
- Support marketing efforts through beverage promotions, social content, and signature event partnerships.
- Collaborate with Events and Sales teams to design customized beverage packages.
Other Duties
- Ensure colleague adherence to responsible service of alcohol (RSA/TIPS) regulations.
- Carry out other duties as assigned to support the department and overall resort operations.
- Ensure beverage operations comply with hygiene, sanitation, and safety standards, including HACCP and local regulatory requirements.