Experienced Head Mixologist / Manager Pre-Opening

Ovolo Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel benefits

F&B outlet access

Creative license and leadership

Job summary

Ovolo Sydney is seeking a hands-on Head Mixologist / Manager to shape the beverage program for our new hotel bar and lead the pre-opening team.

You'll design an innovative cocktail program, recruit and develop an exceptional bartending team, and establish service standards that define the guest experience. This role is on the floor from day one, driving every service with energy and creativity.

Qualifications

• Experience leading premium cocktail bars or luxury hospitality venues.
• Proven ability to recruit, mentor and develop high-performing bar teams.
• Strong cocktail knowledge, creativity and hands-on leadership.
• Commercial awareness with beverage cost management and stock control.

Responsibilities

• Own the bar from concept through opening and beyond.
• Design and deliver an innovative beverage program reflecting the brand.
• Recruit, inspire and develop a top-tier bartending team.
• Lead every service from the front, coaching staff and delivering guest experiences.
• Develop recipes, standards, training and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with chefs, marketing and hotel teams on activations and events.
• Manage supplier relationships, stock and profitability while preserving quality.
• Ensure guests leave believing they’ve experienced one of Sydney’s best bars.

Skills

Leadership

Cocktail program design

Staff training & development

Cost control / beverage costs

POS knowledge (Micros)

Tools

POS systems (Micros)

Job description

A new chapter is about to begin.

Ovolo Sydney is undergoing an exciting transformation, and we're looking for an exceptional Head Mixologist / Manager to help bring our newest hospitality experience to life. This isn't just another bar it will be the beating heart of the hotel. A destination where locals and travellers come together over unforgettable cocktails, incredible music, and genuine hospitality.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a pre-opening team, shaping everything from the cocktail philosophy and beverage program to the team culture and guest experience. You'll have the freedom to create, innovate and leave your mark from day one.

The Gig

We're looking for a hands-on, creative leader who wants to build something special.

As our Head Mixologist / Manager, you'll own the bar from concept through to opening and beyond. You'll create an innovative beverage program, recruit and develop an exceptional team of bartenders, and establish the service standards that define the venue.

This isn't a role behind a desk. You'll be on the floor, behind the bar, leading every service, mentoring your team and setting the pace. We want someone who loves hospitality, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about creating a venue people talk about long after they've left.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the pre-opening journey of Ovolo Sydney's signature bar.
• Design and deliver a standout cocktail program that reflects the Ovolo brand while creating its own identity.
• Recruit, inspire and develop a team of exceptional bartenders who share your passion for hospitality.
• Build a culture where creativity, collaboration and personality shine.
  Lead every service from the front, coaching your team and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
• Develop recipes, beverage standards, training programs and operating procedures.
  Collaborate with chefs, marketing and the wider hotel team on activations, events and seasonal experiences.
• Build strong supplier relationships and stay ahead of industry trends and innovation.
  Manage stock, beverage costs and profitability without compromising quality.
• Ensure every guest leaves feeling they've experienced one of Sydney's best bars

About You

You're more than a great manager, you build teams, create experiences and know how to turn a great bar into a destination.

You'll bring

• At least three years' experience leading premium cocktail bars or luxury hospitality venues.
• Proven experience recruiting, mentoring and developing high-performing bar teams.
• Exceptional cocktail knowledge, creativity and passion for innovation. A genuine love of being behind the bar and leading service from the front.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing beverage costs, stock and profitability.
• Experience with POS systems such as Micros or similar.
• High energy, resilience and the ability to thrive in a dynamic pre-opening environment.
• A personality that inspires others and creates memorable guest experiences.
  Why You'll Love I

Pre-openings don't come around often.

This is your chance to build one of Sydney's most exciting hotel bars from the ground up.

You'll have the opportunity to shape the concept, handpick your team, influence the guest experience and create a venue that becomes known for its creativity, energy and exceptional cocktails.

At Ovolo, we celebrate individuality, reward bold ideas and encourage our people to challenge convention. If you've been waiting for the opportunity to open a venue, build an incredible team and create something truly special, this is it.

We're not looking for someone to simply run a bar. We're looking for someone to create a destination. Someone who knows the best bartenders in town, loves mentoring talent, isn't afraid to push boundaries, and wants to build a team that people aspire to work with. If you're ready to make some noise and create one of Sydney's most talked-about cocktail bars, we want to hear from you.

What you'll get...

• Well, there's the chance to shine in a brilliant team environment in Australia, Hong Kong and now Indonesia – bring your personality and sense of fun to work and the most amazing team to work with.
• Whether it's career opportunities, job enrichment or a supportive work environment, if you are ready for this challenge, then we are ready for you
• Receive Hotel benefits in rooms and our fabulous F&B outlet
• Develop relationships and make a difference to other people's lives through our Community Programme
• Autonomous role with oodles of creative license & chance to showcase your entrepreneurial talent