Operations Manager - Bars & Beverage

The Role

You will operate as part of an Operational Project Mobilisation Team with a task‑based structure during the build phase, transitioning to multi‑site or divisional operational responsibility as the portfolio mobilises.

• Lead/Support bar setup across multiple pre‑opening venues
• Design and develop cocktail programmes (costed, scalable, commercially viable)
• Build wine lists and beverage architecture aligned to concept positioning
• Work alongside suppliers and negotiate commercially
• Create beverage SOPs, training manuals and mobilisation plans
• Train and mentor bar teams pre‑ and post‑opening
• Monitor GP%, stock control and cost optimisation
• Contribute operationally across projects beyond beverage
• Ongoing operations management

• 5+ years in multi‑site bar operations or senior bar leadership
• Pre‑opening experience (essential)
• Strong cocktail development and drinks menu engineering capability
• Deep understanding of wine (WSET Level 2/3 preferred)
• Strong commercial acumen (GP%, costing, supplier negotiation)
• Experience working within premium, lifestyle or champagne‑led venues
• Ability to operate hands‑on during mobilisation

• WSET Level 2 or Level 3
• Certified Mixologist / Bar Academy certification
• Formal hospitality qualification
• Coffee expertise (SCA certification desirable if café concepts are involved)

• A commercially minded operator - not just a creative
• A team player, someone comfortable in a scaling, evolving structure
• Hands‑on, delivery‑focused
• Comfortable building from scratch
• Future division leadership potential