Head of Mixology
The Setai, Miami Beach
Position Summary
The Head of Mixology is responsible for the vision, leadership, and execution of all beverage operations across The Setai's dining and lounge venues, including Jaya, Japon, Ocean Grill, and the Lobby Bar. As the property's beverage authority, this role will create and maintain a world-class cocktail and beverage program that reflects the sophistication, creativity, and luxury standards synonymous with The Setai brand.
This newly created position combines strategic leadership, hands-on mixology expertise, operational excellence, and talent development. The Head of Mixology will oversee all bartenders across the property, ensuring consistency of service, product quality, beverage innovation, and financial performance while creating exceptional guest experiences.
The ideal candidate is a highly accomplished mixologist and hospitality leader with a passion for luxury service, creative beverage development, team mentorship, and operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Beverage Vision & Mixology Leadership
- Develop and lead the overall beverage strategy for all outlets within The Setai.
- Create, design, and continuously evolve cocktail menus for Jaya, Japon, Ocean Grill, and the Lobby Bar.
- Establish The Setai as a recognized leader in luxury mixology and beverage innovation.
- Introduce seasonal cocktail programs, signature experiences, and limited-edition offerings.
- Maintain awareness of international beverage trends, techniques, ingredients, and guest preferences.
- Collaborate with culinary leadership to develop food and beverage pairings that
enhance the guest experience.
- Lead menu engineering initiatives to maximize both guest satisfaction and profitability.
Operational Leadership
- Oversee all daily bar operations throughout the property.
- Ensure consistency in beverage preparation, presentation, service standards, and guest engagement.
- Develop and maintain beverage recipes, specifications, and operational procedures.
- Conduct regular quality audits to ensure compliance with luxury hospitality standards.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal alcohol service regulations.
- Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, organization, and bar presentation.
Team Leadership & Development
- Directly lead, train, mentor, and inspire all bartenders across the property.
- Recruit and develop top beverage talent aligned with The Setai's service culture.
- Design and implement comprehensive training programs covering mixology, spirits, wine, sake, luxury service, sales techniques, and product knowledge.
- Conduct regular skills assessments, cocktail evaluations, and performance
reviews.
- Foster a culture of accountability, creativity, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Create clear standards and expectations for service excellence throughout all outlets.
Financial & Commercial Performance
- Manage beverage revenues, profitability, and cost controls across all venues.
- Develop annual budgets and revenue forecasts related to beverage operations.
- Monitor beverage cost percentages, inventory variances, and purchasing efficiencies.
- Analyze sales trends and implement strategies to increase beverage capture
rates and average spend.
- Partner with suppliers and distributors to negotiate pricing, secure allocations, and identify exclusive opportunities.
- Drive revenue through innovative beverage experiences, premium offerings, and strategic activations.
Inventory & Beverage Program Management
- Oversee purchasing, inventory management, and beverage storage throughout the property.
- Curate and maintain premium selections of spirits, wines, champagnes, sake, and specialty beverages.
- Establish inventory controls and procedures to minimize waste and loss.
- Ensure product quality and consistency across all venues.
- Evaluate and introduce new products that align with The Setai's luxury positioning.
Guest Experience
- Serve as a visible presence within the operation, engaging with guests and creating memorable experiences.
- Build relationships with VIP guests, residents, and repeat clientele.
- Handle guest feedback and special requests with professionalism and discretion.
- Elevate the overall beverage experience through personalized servi ce and innovative offerings.
- Act as an ambassador of The Setai's commitment to luxury hospitality.
Qualifications
Experience
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in luxury hospitality, high-end cocktail bars, luxury hotels, or internationally recognized restaurant groups.
- Minimum 3 years in a senior beverage leadership role.
- Demonstrated success creating and managing award-worthy cocktail programs.
- Proven experience overseeing multiple beverage outlets simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of luxury guest expectations and five-star service standards.
Skills & Knowledge
- Expert-level knowledge of mixology, spirits, cocktail techniques, wine, champagne, and sake.
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
- Advanced understanding of beverage cost controls, inventory management, and financial analysis.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to balance creativity with operational and financial performance.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced mixology certifications and industry-recognized beverage credentials.
- WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, BarSmarts, or equivalent certifications preferred.
- Experience working within Forbes Five-Star or luxury hospitality environments.
- Strong network within the beverage, spirits, and hospitality industries.
Key Performance Indicators
- Beverage revenue growth
- Beverage cost percentage
- Cocktail program performance
- Guest satisfaction scores
- Beverage quality and consistency audits
- Inventory accuracy and loss prevention
- Bartender training and development metrics
- Employee retention and engagement
- Luxury service standards compliance
Reporting Structure
Reports To: Director of Food & Beverage
Direct Reports: All Bartenders across Jaya, Japon, Ocean Grill, and Lobby Bar
What Success Looks Like
The Head of Mixology will establish a distinctive beverage identity for The Setai, creating innovative cocktail experiences while ensuring flawless execution across every outlet. Success will be measured through elevated guest satisfaction, increased beverage revenues, strengthened team performance, enhanced brand reputation, and recognition of The Setai as one of Miami's premier luxury beverage destinations.
This is a non-management position
This is a full time position
