Head of Mixology

Miami Beach, FL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Training and Development

performance bonuses

Job Description

The Setai, Miami Beach is a luxury hotel renowned for its sophisticated ambiance, exceptional service, and commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience. Located in the heart of Miami Beach, The Setai combines Asian-inspired elegance with modern luxury, creating one of the most prestigious destinations for travelers seeking tranquility, refinement, and gourmet dining. The property features several distinguished dining and lounge venues including Jaya, Japon, Ocean Grill, and the Lobby Bar, each offering unique culinary experiences paired with exquisitely crafted beverages and cocktails. The Setai is recognized for its dedication to excellence and innovation within the hospitality industry, continually enhancing its offerings to meet the highest standards of luxury service and guest satisfaction.

The Head of Mixology at The Setai is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the entire beverage program across all outlets within the property. This role demands a visionary mixologist and strategic leader who can blend creativity with operational expertise to elevate The Setai's beverage service to world-class levels. As the beverage authority on the property, the Head of Mixology leads and inspires a team of bartenders while ensuring consistency, quality, and innovation across all beverage offerings. This full-time position is newly created to unify and enhance the beverage operations, delivering exceptional guest experiences that reflect the luxurious and sophisticated standards synonymous with The Setai brand.

The successful candidate will develop a dynamic and evolving cocktail program that integrates the latest international beverage trends and techniques, partnered with seasonal and signature experiences designed to captivate and delight guests. By collaborating closely with culinary leadership, the role will also foster seamless food and beverage pairings, amplifying guest satisfaction and financial performance. Operationally, the Head of Mixology supervises daily bar functions, upholding strict compliance with alcohol service regulations, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation, and conducting rigorous quality audits.

In addition to operational leadership, this role encompasses comprehensive team development responsibilities, including recruitment, training, mentorship, and performance management of bartenders. The Head of Mixology is tasked with fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring that service excellence is consistently delivered throughout the property. Financially, the position manages beverage revenues, budgets, cost controls, and inventory processes, leveraging strong supplier relationships to secure premium products and exclusive opportunities that enhance the brand's luxury positioning.

Guest engagement is a vital component of the role, requiring the Head of Mixology to be a visible presence who builds meaningful relationships with VIP guests and residents while addressing feedback with discretion and care. Overall, this position combines artistry, leadership, and strategic acumen to position The Setai as a recognized leader in luxury mixology and beverage innovation within Miami's competitive hospitality landscape.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, culinary arts, or related field preferred
Minimum 7 years progressive experience in luxury hospitality or similar environment
Minimum 3 years in senior beverage leadership role
Proven ability to develop and manage luxury cocktail programs
Strong knowledge of mixology, spirits, and beverage trends
Experience managing multiple beverage outlets
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
Knowledge of local, state, and federal alcohol regulations
Commitment to high standards of cleanliness and service
Ability to mentor and develop teams effectively

Job Qualifications

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
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
Advanced mixology certifications and industry-recognized beverage credentials preferred
WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, BarSmarts, or equivalent certifications preferred
Experience working within Forbes Five-Star or luxury hospitality environments preferred
Strong network within the beverage, spirits, and hospitality industries preferred

Job Duties

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
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
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
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
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
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 service and innovative offerings
Act as an ambassador of The Setai's commitment to luxury hospitality