Beverage Director

Beverage Director Straker's NYC 59 Grand Street, New York, 10012 Full Time • Salary ($95k - $105k)

Expires:

Jun 27, 2026 Be an early applicant Required Years of Experience 4 years Job Details Job Summary Straker's is seeking a Beverage Director to lead and oversee all aspects of the restaurant's beverage program, including wine, cocktails, purchasing, inventory, menu development, staff education, and beverage financial performance. This role will oversee the wine program with a strong emphasis on Old World wines while partnering closely with bar leadership on cocktail development and overall beverage operations. We are looking for someone with strong beverage knowledge, leadership skills, and a team-first mindset who is excited to help build a premium hospitality brand in a fast-paced new opening environment. The ideal candidate is adaptable, hands-on, collaborative, and comfortable wearing many hats while mentoring teammates and supporting day-to-day operations and service. Key Responsibilities Beverage Program Leadership Lead and oversee all aspects of the beverage program across wine, cocktails, beer, and non- alcoholic offerings Curate, maintain, and evolve a wine program with a strong emphasis on Old World wines Develop beverage menus that align with Straker's culinary vision, guest experience, and financial goals Partner with leadership on the strategic direction of the beverage program while bringing creativity and fresh ideas to the table Oversee cocktail program development in partnership with the Bar Manager and bar leadership team Establish standards, structure, and operational parameters for the beverage program Inventory, Purchasing & Financial Management Manage beverage purchasing, vendor relationships, and product sourcing Oversee inventory systems, ordering processes, cost controls, and beverage-related P&L performance Monitor beverage costs, margins, and profitability while maintaining program quality and integrity Analyze sales trends and performance data to make informed menu and purchasing decisions Team Leadership & Education Lead beverage education initiatives for front-of-house staff through trainings, tastings, quizzes, and ongoing development Create a culture of mentorship, accountability, and hospitality excellence Serve as a collaborative and supportive leader for bartenders, servers, sommeliers, and management team members Support hiring, onboarding, and development of bar and beverage team members Act as a mentor and resource to the Bar Manager and broader service team Service & Operations Participate in service regularly through opening, closing, and floor leadership responsibilities Maintain high standards of beverage service, hospitality, and guest engagement Support day-to-day bar operations and ensure consistency in execution Work closely with culinary and operations leadership to ensure alignment across the guest experience Qualifications 5+ years of hospitality leadership experience within high-level restaurant, wine, orbeverage-focused environments 2+ years of experience overseeing beverage programs, wine programs, or bar operations in a leadership capacity Strong understanding of wine, spirits, cocktails, and beverage operations, including purchasing, inventory, cost controls, and menu development Experience building, maintaining, and evolving profitable beverage programs and wine lists Knowledge of Old World wines and comfort working within a wine-focused restaurant environment preferred Experience leading staff education initiatives, trainings, tastings, and beverage-focused team development Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-firstapproach Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on, and evolving restaurant environment

Compensation Details Compensation:

Salary ($95,000.00 - $105,000.00)

Benefits & Perks:

Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Potential Bonuses Required Skills Creativity in Beverage Menu Development Strategic Thinking Analytical Skills for Sales Trends Problem Solving in Cost Management Ability to Foster a Collaborative Team Environment Mentorship and Coaching Skills Attention to Detail in Beverage Quality Ability to Manage Vendor Relationships