Cellar Master

Cruise Academy

5h

About The Position

The Cellar Master is responsible for the end-to-end management, control, and integrity of all beverage inventories onboard, with a primary focus on wines, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. This role ensures accurate stock control, proper storage, regulatory compliance, and seamless supply chain coordination to support uninterrupted onboard operations.
Working closely with Food & Beverage leadership, shipboard finance, and shore-side supply teams, the Cellar Master plays a critical role in cost control, audit readiness, and maintaining product quality standards. The position requires strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to operate effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced maritime environment.

Requirements

• Previous experience in beverage inventory management, cellar operations, or supply control within a cruise ship, hotel, resort, or large-scale hospitality environment
• Extensive working knowledge of wine, including varietals, regions, storage, handling, and service standards
• Formal wine education demonstrated through WSET, ISG, CMS, SWE, or an equivalent recognised certification
• Strong working knowledge of stock control principles, inventory accuracy, and variance management
• Proven ability to work with inventory systems, spreadsheets, and digital reporting tools
• High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting strict deadlines
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Good command of English, both written and verbal, for reporting and operational communication
• Ability to live and work onboard a vessel in a rotational contract environment

Nice To Haves

• Prior cruise ship experience in a Cellar Master, Beverage Controller, or similar role
• Knowledge of international beverage brands, wine varietals, and storage requirements
• Experience supporting audits, inspections, and inventory reconciliations
• Understanding of cost-control strategies within food and beverage operations
• Familiarity with maritime compliance, customs controls, and bonded stores procedures
• Experience training or supervising junior inventory or storeroom personnel

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate control and accountability of all beverage inventory onboard, including wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, and consumables
• Oversee receiving, verification, storage, rotation, and issuing of beverage products in line with company procedures and safety standards
• Conduct regular stock counts, cycle counts, and full inventories, ensuring variances are investigated, explained, and documented
• Monitor stock levels to prevent shortages, overstocking, spoilage, or expired products
• Ensure correct storage conditions for wines and beverages, including temperature control, handling standards, and security
• Prepare and submit inventory reports, consumption analyses, and variance explanations to shipboard and shore-side stakeholders
• Support cost-control initiatives through accurate forecasting, waste reduction, and responsible inventory management
• Coordinate closely with Food & Beverage management to support menu execution, special events, and beverage promotions
• Ensure compliance with flag-state regulations, customs requirements, alcohol handling laws, and internal audit standards
• Participate in onboard audits, inspections, and inventory verifications as required
• Train and guide assigned crew in correct inventory handling, storage, and issuing procedures
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised cellar and storage environment in accordance with health, safety, and environmental standards

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed