Bar Program Director - Craft Cocktails & Sake

SUZU ATH LLC; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Suzu Cincinnati is seeking a Bar Manager to lead our opening beverage program and run a disciplined, guest-focused bar operation. You will design recipes, train staff, manage inventory and pour cost, and ensure compliance with Ohio liquor laws while delivering warm hospitality during peak volume.

Responsibilities include creating systems for speed and consistency, collaborating with Chef Makoto and beverage partners, and building guest loyalty through a thoughtful bar experience.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of bartending experience in craft, upscale, or fine-dining settings.
• 2+ years leading a bar team or program.
• Proven ability to execute complex beverage specifications, train a team, and translate finalized menus into efficient, repeatable service systems.
• Command of inventory, purchasing, pour cost, variance control, and bar financial performance.
• Ohio-eligible responsible alcohol-service certification, or the ability to obtain required certification before opening.

Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain the opening cocktail, sake, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic programs developed with Chef Makoto and beverage partners.
• Steward the sake program in service: storage, rotation, temperatures, vessels, presentation, and staff education.
• Maintain standards for Japanese whisky, highballs, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages; provide operational feedback as the program evolves.
• Design operating systems for speed and consistency: batching, prep, station setup, pars, and training materials.
• Achieve pour-cost targets; run weekly inventory, ordering, pars, transfers, and variance reporting.

Skills

Bartending

Team leadership

Staff training

Inventory management

Job description

Suzu Cincinnati is seeking a Bar Manager to lead our opening beverage program and run a disciplined, guest-focused bar operation. You will design recipes, train staff, manage inventory and pour cost, and ensure compliance with Ohio liquor laws while delivering warm hospitality during peak volume.

Responsibilities include creating systems for speed and consistency, collaborating with Chef Makoto and beverage partners, and building guest loyalty through a thoughtful bar experience.