San Francisco | Beverage Manager | Michelin

DESCRIPTION:

An acclaimed Michelin-level dining destination is seeking a visionary Beverage Manager to lead and evolve one of the country's most distinctive beverage programs. Working alongside the Chef/Owner, this leader will shape a beverage experience deeply connected to the cuisine, local producers, and the seasons of Northern California. The tasting menu is built around thoughtful sourcing, preservation, and a close relationship with the land; values reflected throughout the beverage program via an extensive wine cellar, non-alcoholic pairings, house fermentations, and an ongoing curiosity for craftsmanship. This is a senior leadership position for someone equally passionate about service, mentorship, financial discipline, and continual refinement.

Core Responsibilities —

• Oversees all aspects of the beverage program, including curation, purchasing, inventory management, cellar organization, and beverage pairings.
• Collaborates closely with the culinary team to develop innovative alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings that complement the seasonal tasting menu.
• Manages beverage program finances, cost controls, pricing strategies, and vendor relationships to maintain healthy profit margins.
• Leads house fermentation initiatives and curates offerings across wine, spirits, craft beer, specialty tea, coffee, and zero-proof beverages.
• Educates and mentors the dining room staff on beverage offerings, story points, and service techniques to elevate guest engagement.
• Drives ongoing program development with precision, curiosity, and a commitment to continual improvement.

Operational Involvement —

The Beverage Manager ensures a seamless guest experience and rigorous cellar maintenance by:

• Working actively on the dining room floor during service to present pairings, share producer stories, and engage directly with guests.
• Organizing and maintaining the wine cellar to ensure proper storage, precise inventory counts, and smooth service execution.
• Collaborating daily with the kitchen and service leadership teams to align front-of-house beverage execution with culinary changes.
• Fostering an inclusive environment centered on integrity, craftsmanship, generosity, and respect for producers and team members.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Extensive knowledge of wine, spirits, beer, tea, coffee, house fermentations, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Proven experience leading a Michelin-starred or similarly ambitious fine-dining beverage program.
• Exceptional organizational and financial management skills, including inventory control and purchasing oversight.
• Strong passion for storytelling, guest engagement, and team education.
• Collaborative mindset with a genuine desire to mentor service staff and lead by example.
• High level of curiosity, humility, and a commitment to hospitality excellence.

BENEFITS:

• Annual salary range of $95-110K+.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), plus designated fully paid holiday weeks for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).