Position Overview
Rye Venue Management operates a growing portfolio of wedding and event venues throughout Michigan, and we're looking for a Beverage Manager who can lead strong bar operations and help steer our growth in this department. The Beverage Manager will oversee beverage operations and bar staff across Rye's venues, including: New Vintage Place, Ballroom at McKay Tower, and Grand Rapids Art Museum in Grand Rapids; New Era Wedding Barn in New Era; and 2 Gather Event Venue in Auburn Hills.
This role combines hospitality leadership, event operations, team management, and business development. In addition to overseeing day-to-day beverage operations, this person will lead the continued development of Whiskey & Rye, Rye's catered beverage services business.
Salary: from $60,000/year
Schedule: full-time, mostly Tuesday through Saturday, with a mix of office and event venue or on-site responsibilities. Some evening and additional weekend hours are required based on event and business needs.
Reports to: General Manager
What You'll Do
Beverage Operations & Event Execution
- Oversee beverage operations across multiple venues, including inventory, ordering, supplies, equipment, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance.
- Manage beverage costs, inventory levels, and operational processes to ensure efficient and consistent execution.
- Develop and implement processes for both onsite and offsite beverage service.
- Serve as the primary resource for bar equipment troubleshooting and operational problem-solving.
- Maintain accurate records, paperwork, and regular operational reporting.
- Partner with sales and planning teams to identify opportunities for event enhancements, operational improvements, and new beverage offerings.
Team Leadership
- Hire, schedule, train, coach, and manage bar staff across multiple venues.
- Set clear expectations for service, professionalism, and event execution.
- Build a positive, accountable, and guest-focused team culture.
- Assess workload and staffing needs and proactively address operational challenges.
Whiskey & Rye
- Lead the continued growth and development of Whiskey & Rye, Rye's catered beverage services business.
- Develop relationships with event venues and industry partners to generate referrals and new business.
- Manage clients from initial inquiry through event day, including proposals, invoicing, beverage recommendations, planning, and event preparation.
- Build and refine systems and processes that allow Whiskey & Rye to deliver consistent, efficient offsite events as the business grows.
What Success Looks Like
In this role, you'll be successful when our beverage operations are organized, well-staffed, cost-effective, and consistently executed; our bar teams are trained, supported, and happy; and our clients and their guests receive excellent service and enjoy what they’re served.
You'll also help turn Whiskey & Rye into a growing, scalable part of the business by developing relationships, improving processes, and creating an excellent experience for both clients and event partners.
What We're Looking For
Required
- Prior bartending, bar management, and/or bar supervision experience.
- Experience managing people in a hospitality or service environment.
- Experience creating and implementing operational processes.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
- A guest- and client-focused approach to hospitality.
Preferred
- Experience with catered or offsite beverage services.
- Experience with weddings, events, catering, or hospitality operations.
- Experience with business development, client management, or vendor relationships.
- Experience overseeing beverage operations across multiple locations or outlets.
We're looking for someone who is organized, proactive, adaptable, and comfortable taking ownership. The right person will bring positive energy to their interactions with clients and colleagues while being willing to identify problems, develop solutions, and continuously improve how we operate.
Physical Requirements
This position requires extended periods of standing and working in event environments. The employee must be able to lift and move items weighing up to 25 pounds, stock shelves, change kegs, check in beverage orders, and bend, reach, and move as necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
The responsibilities listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and other duties may be assigned as business needs require.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Rye Venue Management LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- In just a few sentences, why do you feel you'd be a good fit for this position?
Experience:
- bar management: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
