Director of Bars | Columbia Hospitality

Columbia Hospitality•Seattle, WA

2d•$90,000 - $125,000

About The Position

We are seeking a passionate and strategic leader to elevate our beverage programs and guest experience across all properties. The Director of Bars will oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of our beverage offerings and standards, fostering innovation, excellence, and consistency in every interaction. This role requires a forward-thinking professional with extensive industry knowledge, exceptional leadership skills, and a flair for creating memorable bar moments.

Requirements

Deep industry expertise across spirits, wine, beer, and the three-tier distribution system.
Proven track record of leading projects from concept through execution within hospitality settings.
Strong understanding of beverage performance metrics and standards across diverse environments.
Creative approach to beverage promotions, menu innovation, and customer engagement.
Ability to make informed business decisions that balance profitability with innovation.
Extensive mixology and craft cocktail experience; certifications such as Cicerone, CSS, CSW, or WSET are a plus.
Minimum of four years in leadership roles within the restaurant or bar industry, with supervisory experience.
In-depth knowledge of spirits, wine, beer, and current trends in modern bar operations.
Familiarity with modern bar and event equipment and technology.
Skill in cost control, inventory management, menu engineering, and procurement in US and international markets.
Strong relationships with industry suppliers and the ability to develop comprehensive national beverage programs.
Willingness and flexibility to travel, approximately 60% or more, to support various initiatives and industry events.
Proficiency in budget management, data analysis, and performance metrics.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
A proactive leader with exceptional organizational skills, multitasking ability, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Service-focused, personable, and dedicated to delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Nice To Haves

Certifications such as Cicerone, CSS, CSW, or WSET are a plus.

Responsibilities

Design, oversee, and refine comprehensive training initiatives and materials for all beverage operations, covering spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic selections, as well as ambient atmosphere enhancements.
Establish and uphold standards for all bar outlets, including product curation, signature and classic cocktail recipes, menu design, uniform policies, equipment specifications, and pricing strategies.
Monitor program success through third-party compliance assessments, detailed category-specific menu reviews, and collaboration with property leadership to implement necessary adjustments.
Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships at the corporate level to support beverage initiatives and uphold corporate directives.
Develop and coordinate training programs and support resources for hotel restaurants, bars, banquet spaces, minibars, and room service.
Provide hands-on staff training at new locations during pre-opening phases upon request.
Build strong relationships with local partners, brands, sponsors, industry tastemakers, vendors, and cultural organizations to facilitate collaborative events and impactful activations.
Support the creation and execution of local experiences and promotional events in partnership with beverage suppliers, aimed at increasing traffic and revenue.
Travel as required to attend corporate meetings, industry conferences, launch events, new openings, support trainings, and property transitions.
Act as a key team member on task forces, offering mentorship and training to bar staff and leadership to ensure high standards of service and expertise.
Assist in menu development, including layout, recipe standards, house-made ingredients, and sourcing strategies.
Collaborate with finance teams on pricing models, cost control, and profitability enhancement strategies.
Support the rollout of new venues and contribute to property acquisition efforts.
Lead ongoing educational initiatives via webinars, conference calls, and the dissemination of tools and resources.
Develop consistent messaging points across properties to support new programming and marketing activations.
Identify and leverage opportunities for mixology-led events with Food & Beverage teams to drive visibility and revenue.
Represent the organization at industry panels, keynote events, and networking functions.
Engage with industry groups and educational programs to support professional development and scholarship initiatives.
Perform additional duties as required to support overall brand and operational objectives.

Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 to $125,000 DOE
Cellphone Allowance
Incentive Eligible
Commuter/Parking Allowance
Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday)
Paid Time off & Holiday Pay (Because Balance Matters)
Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K
HSA/FSA Plans -with employer contribution
Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE)
Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives)
Referral Bonus (Get Paid to Recruit)
Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail (Yes, Discounted Travel!)
Employee Assistance Program
“Columbia Cares” Volunteer Opportunities
Committee Participation Opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion)
Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow!
Third Party Perks (Including discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions & so much more)