Beverage Program Manager & Trainer (Airport Concessionaire)

IMI Agency•Houston, TX

21h•$85,000 - $100,000•Remote

About The Position

We have an opening for a creative, high-performing, well-organized, and forward-thinking Beverage Program Manager & Trainer to work within the beverage business of a leading airport concessionaire client. This Beverage Program Manager & Trainer will spend a significant percentage of time on-site in restaurants and bars throughout the Client Operators' portfolios, developing and enhancing beverage programs through training and educating staff on the brands within each location's beverage business. In this role, the Beverage Program Manager & Trainer will also develop, manage, and execute promotional events. The Beverage Program Manager & Trainer will work closely with IMI's Account Team and client Sr. Manager(s) of Beverage to align the beverage program with the venue identities. This person will participate in developing and executing strategies and tactics to enhance beverage program brands in client locations.

Requirements

Follow-up and follow-through must be your mantra!
Deep expertise in the alcoholic beverage industry, including product knowledge and the three-tier distribution system.
Proven success in managing high-level projects from concept to execution.
Strong understanding of beverage performance standards across various hospitality settings.
Demonstrated creativity in designing and implementing beverage promotions.
Comfort in making complex business decisions that balance innovation and profitability.
Minimum of four years in a leadership role in the restaurant/bar/hospitality industry
In-depth understanding of spirits, wine, and beer, with a strong emphasis on product knowledge and modern bar environments.
Understanding cost control, inventory management, and menu engineering.
Understanding and knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures.
Willingness and ability to travel at least 50% to support meetings, openings, promotions, and conferences.
Skilled in budget management and tracking expenditures with regular reporting.
Effective communicator across all levels of management and staff, including high-level stakeholders.
Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
Adaptable to various management styles and team dynamics.
Proactive problem-solver who takes initiative and contributes to solutions.
Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously with strong multitasking abilities.
Experienced in data analysis, program evaluation, and developing metrics to measure success.
High-energy interpersonal skills and a polished, professional demeanor.
Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
Service-oriented with a client-first mindset and a hospitable approach.

Nice To Haves

Experience in mixology and craft cocktail development is a plus
Cicerone, CSS, CSW, and WSET certification(s) are a plus.
Experience working with third-party marketing teams and familiarity with funding structures and legal considerations are a plus.

Responsibilities

Perform R&D on beverage program trends, promotions, and target properties.
Develop, manage, and execute promotional events for beverage program brands and supporting marketing materials for airport restaurants & bars, focusing on branded spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic programs and atmospheres.
Lead training initiatives through onsite visits, quarterly calls, and ongoing maintenance of digital resources, while also conducting on-site staff training for new unit openings.
Monitor program performance through digital and in-person compliance audits; collect menus for detailed category reviews; provide timely follow-up with property leadership to implement necessary corrections; track and report results to superiors.
Compile and present associated beverage program data on a periodic basis.
Collaborate and support national beverage program partnerships to drive compliance.
Travel is needed to support brand meetings, promotional events, new openings, renovations, and industry conferences.
Act as a full member of the beverage task force teams, providing training and mentorship to bar staff and leadership
Document and report recaps of training initiatives, successes, and areas of enhancement or further development.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Travel of 50% or more.