Beverage Manager

Compass Group•Bentonville, AR

About The Position

The Beverage Manager plays a key role in shaping and delivering an engaging, high‑quality beverage experience across Crystal Bridges retail and catering operations. In partnership with Wolfgang Puck Catering, this role oversees beverage strategy, daily execution, and continuous improvement across multiple service environments. This is an opportunity to blend creativity, operational excellence, and collaboration to support a beverage program that reflects culinary innovation, guest experience, and responsible stewardship. This role supports the AWE portfolio at Crystal Bridges, spanning retail food venues and catered events in a dynamic cultural environment. Working closely with culinary, operations, and client partners, the Beverage Manager helps ensure beverage offerings align with brand standards, guest expectations, and the unique mission of Crystal Bridges and Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Requirements

Experience managing beverage programs in hospitality, food service, catering, or cultural venues.
Knowledge of wine, beer, spirits, and non‑alcoholic beverages, with an interest in trends and guest preferences.
Comfort working across multiple service formats, including retail operations and catered events.
Ability to collaborate effectively with culinary, operations, and client partners.
Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and follow‑through.
Experience supporting teams through training, coaching, and day‑to‑day leadership.
Familiarity with inventory systems, cost management, and operational reporting.

Nice To Haves

Experience in museum, cultural, or destination‑based hospitality environments.
Exposure to premium or chef‑driven brands such as Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Responsibilities

Oversee the beverage program across Crystal Bridges retail outlets and catering operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance.
Partner with culinary and operations teams to design, execute, and evolve beverage menus that complement food offerings and seasonal programming.
Lead beverage ordering, inventory management, and cost controls, supporting financial goals while maintaining product integrity.
Support hiring, training, and ongoing development of beverage team members, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal alcohol regulations, as well as company safety and service standards.
Collaborate with events and catering teams to plan beverage service for special events, private functions, and high‑profile experiences.
Build strong relationships with vendors and distributors to support product selection, availability, and innovation.
Monitor guest feedback and operational insights to continuously improve service, presentation, and efficiency.
Support sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives where applicable.