Beverage Director

BHC•Charleston, SC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This role leads the beverage program with a balance of refined expertise and hands-on leadership, elevating both staff performance and guest experience to the highest standard of hospitality. Responsible for shaping a world-class cocktail and beverage offering, the position ensures flawless execution across training, service, and operations while maintaining a cohesive program in partnership with the Director of Food & Beverage. With an emphasis on excellence, innovation, and national recognition, this role embodies the art of luxury service while upholding financial stewardship, guest satisfaction, and brand representation.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of fine wines, beers, and spirits, with expertise in provenance, tasting profiles, ingredient integrity, and world-class service rituals
Sophisticated understanding of the local beverage market, including premium offerings, regulatory frameworks, and evolving industry trends
Strong analytical acumen with the ability to identify challenges, interpret data, and implement elegant, effective solutions
Over three years of distinguished beverage service experience as a sommelier, wine steward, or wine manager, with a focus on refined guest engagement
A minimum of two years of restaurant management experience, demonstrating polished leadership and a commitment to elevated hospitality standards
Proven wine buying expertise, including the curation of distinguished selections and strategic cost management aligned with luxury service environments

Responsibilities

Lead staff training and education programs, including evaluation of hospitality standards, cocktail expertise, and spirit/beer knowledge, ensuring adherence to best practices aligned with top-tier cocktail bar operations and national-level recognition.
Oversee and inspire bar and service staff performance, refining technical execution and cultivating a culture of excellence in service and presentation.
Partner with floor managers to provide strong leadership across all F&B staff, ensuring flawless guest experiences through table engagement, attentiveness, and personalized hospitality.
Perform Manager on Duty functions, acting as a strong operational presence during evening hours of operation.
Monitor the quality, consistency, and creativity of all menu offerings, while troubleshooting equipment and maintaining an impeccable ambiance, including volume, lighting, and overall atmosphere.
Safeguard guest and team well-being, manage incident reporting, and foster positive relationships within the surrounding community.
Collaborate with the Director of Food & Beverage to ensure a cohesive, world-class beverage program throughout the property.
Maintain beverage costs within or below established budgetary parameters.
Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings, F&B leadership meetings, and other property-wide business discussions.
Support expense control, weekly inventories, and revenue alignment in response to business demands.
Maintain open communication and collaboration with all property departments.
Demonstrate complete mastery of the P.O.S. system and its functions.
Inspect and enforce grooming, presentation, and professional standards for all staff.
Manage and produce timely wine, beer, and spirit orders across outlet departments.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of all menu offerings, preparation methods, and service standards.
Conduct daily pre-shift briefings with the bar team, communicating developments and operational priorities.
Ensure strict adherence to state liquor regulations, including prohibitions on service to minors and intoxicated individuals.
Supervise the setup of service areas, tables, and stations in accordance with established standards.
Assist with proper service of wine and champagne, ensuring correct quantities and technique.
Support staff with guest service functions, including replenishing bar offerings, preparing specialty cocktails, and fulfilling guest requests.
Anticipate guest needs and deliver prompt, refined service to exceed expectations.
Ensure accurate billing by maintaining comprehensive knowledge of contracted products and services.
Resolve guest concerns promptly and discreetly, ensuring complete satisfaction.
Provide continuous bartender training on proper alcohol service procedures and responsible hospitality practices.
Inspect all bar and function areas for cleanliness, safety, and optimal setup of furnishings and equipment.
Partner with PR and Marketing to strategically promote the beverage program and represent the brand at industry events and through media opportunities.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Food & Beverage.