Bar Manager / Mixologist

Craven Cottage CC; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC is seeking a Beverage Manager to lead cocktail and mocktail innovation, menu design, and pairing with the culinary team. You will drive beverage strategy, supplier relationships, and profitability while mentoring bartenders and staff across shifts.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of upscale bartending or mixology leadership, with formal mixology or WSET credentials and a strong service mindset. Join a vibrant venue focused on quality and guest experience.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years’ upscale bartending or mixology experience with leadership exposure.
• Formal mixology diplomas or wine/beverage credentials preferred (WSET).
• Deep expertise in spirits, wine, beer, flavour pairing and advanced bar workflows.
• Exceptional customer service and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Curate, test, and update beverage menus aligned with branding and seasonal trends.
• Research flavour profiles, syrups, infusions, and presentation styles.
• Coordinate with culinary team on beverage and food pairings.
• Monitor stock levels, order supplies, and control costs to minimize waste.
• Set pricing strategies and use POS data analytics to optimize profitability.
• Maintain compliance with liquor laws, health codes, and sanitation regulations.
• Hire, schedule, and mentor bartenders and staff.
• Lead pre-shift briefings, tastings, and workshops on spirits, wine, and mixology.
• Foster a positive team culture and resolve floor conflicts efficiently.

Skills

Staff leadership

Customer service

Communication under pressure

Multi-tasking

Team training

Education

Formal mixology diplomas

Wine/beverage credentials (WSET)

Job description

Duties

• Beverage Innovation & Menu Design:
  • Curate, test, and update creative craft cocktail and mocktail menus that align with restaurant branding and seasonal trends.
  • Conduct research and development on new flavour profiles, syrups, infusions, and presentation styles.
  • Coordinate with the culinary team to design effective beverage and food pairings.
• Operational & Financial Management
  • Monitor stock levels, order supplies, and conduct routine inventory counts to control beverage costs and minimize waste.
  • Set pricing strategies and use point-of-sale (POS) data analytics to optimize profitability.
  • Maintain compliance with local liquor laws, health codes, and venue sanitation regulations.
• Staff Leadership & Training:
  • Hire, schedule, and mentor bartenders and support staff.
  • Lead pre-shift briefings, product tastings, and continuous education workshops covering spirits, wine, and mixology skills.
  • Foster a positive team culture and resolve floor conflicts efficiently.

Requirements

• Formal mixology diplomas or wine/beverage credentials (such as WSET) are strongly preferred.
• At least 2 to 5 years’ experience in upscale bartending or mixology, with prior leadership or assistant management background.
• Deep expertise in spirits, wine, beer, flavour pairing, and advanced bar workflows.
• Exceptional customer service, communication under pressure, and organized multi-tasking.