Manager Bar Operations & Cocktail Innovation

Castle & Key Distillery•Frankfort, KY

12h

About The Position

Castle & Key is building a cocktail destination rooted in classic foundations, Kentucky ingredients, modern technique, and hospitality. The Manager Bar Operations & Cocktail Innovation will lead the day-to-day operation and long-term growth of the cocktail program across Taylorton Station, a future flagship bar, pop-ups, events, and bartender education. The role combines bartending, education, operations, and creative leadership, with an emphasis on continually improving the program.

Requirements

At least 5 years of progressive cocktail, bar, or hospitality experience, including leading a high-quality cocktail program and team.
Deep knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, modern technique, and beverage service.
Demonstrated ability to manage, train, and develop a team.
Experience with inventory, costing, and menu development, including high-volume or draft cocktail service.
Creative, curious, organized, and able to lead several initiatives at once.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, with occasional travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a craft cocktail bar, distillery, or destination hospitality environment.
Background in bartender education, competitions, guest bartender programs, or industry events.
Experience opening a new bar.

Responsibilities

Lead the cocktail program across Castle & Key bars and experiences, balancing classics, seasonal signatures, and experimental drinks.
Run a regular research and development process for tasting, testing, and developing cocktails, and maintain a lasting cocktail archive.
Partner with the distillery team to help bartenders understand the spirits and distillers understand how the spirits perform in cocktails.
Recruit, train, schedule, and lead the beverage team, including day-to-day management and performance oversight.
Build career paths for bartenders interested in leadership, creation, or teaching.
Develop a bartender training program for the internal team, with the potential to expand it to the wider industry.
Oversee beverage inventory, costing, pricing, recipes, and operating standards to support a consistent and profitable program.
Lead by example behind the bar and ensure drinks and guest interactions meet Castle & Key hospitality standards.
Ensure compliance with company policies, responsible alcohol service, and health and safety standards.
Create seasonal pop-ups, mobile bar activations, and cocktail events to encourage guest visits and return visits.
Help develop industry programs, including guest bartender residencies, national cocktail competitions, and an annual cocktail festival.
Build relationships in the cocktail and spirits community and partner with Marketing and Events to increase the program’s visibility.
Lead beverage and operations planning for a future flagship cocktail bar and other new spaces on the property.