At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage beverage inventories, ensuring quality and compliance while supporting onboard operations.
- Company: Join a leading cruise line with a focus on exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a unique work environment.
- Other info: Live and work onboard with a 6:2 rotation for a balanced lifestyle.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, making an impact in the world of beverages at sea.
- Qualifications: Experience in beverage management and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Cellar Master is responsible for the end-to-end management, control, and integrity of all beverage inventories onboard, with a primary focus on wines, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. This role ensures accurate stock control, proper storage, regulatory compliance, and seamless supply chain coordination to support uninterrupted onboard operations.
Working closely with Food & Beverage leadership, shipboard finance, and shore-side supply teams, the Cellar Master plays a critical role in cost control, audit readiness, and maintaining product quality standards. The position requires strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to operate effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced maritime environment.
Key Responsibilities- Maintain accurate control and accountability of all beverage inventory onboard, including wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, and consumables.
- Oversee receiving, verification, storage, rotation, and issuing of beverage products in line with company procedures and safety standards.
- Conduct regular stock counts, cycle counts, and full inventories, ensuring variances are investigated, explained, and documented.
- Monitor stock levels to prevent shortages, overstocking, spoilage, or expired products.
- Ensure correct storage conditions for wines and beverages, including temperature control, handling standards, and security.
- Prepare and submit inventory reports, consumption analyses, and variance explanations to shipboard and shore-side stakeholders.
- Support cost-control initiatives through accurate forecasting, waste reduction, and responsible inventory management.
- Coordinate closely with Food & Beverage management to support menu execution, special events, and beverage promotions.
- Ensure compliance with flag-state regulations, customs requirements, alcohol handling laws, and internal audit standards.
- Participate in onboard audits, inspections, and inventory verifications as required.
- Train and guide assigned crew in correct inventory handling, storage, and issuing procedures.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised cellar and storage environment in accordance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Previous experience in beverage inventory management, cellar operations, or supply control within a cruise ship, hotel, resort, or large-scale hospitality environment.
- Extensive working knowledge of wine, including varietals, regions, storage, handling, and service standards.
- Formal wine education demonstrated through WSET, ISG, CMS, SWE, or an equivalent recognised certification.
- Strong working knowledge of stock control principles, inventory accuracy, and variance management.
- Proven ability to work with inventory systems, spreadsheets, and digital reporting tools.
- High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting strict deadlines.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Good command of English, both written and verbal, for reporting and operational communication.
- Ability to live and work onboard a vessel in a rotational contract environment.
- Prior cruise ship experience in a Cellar Master, Beverage Controller, or similar role.
- Knowledge of international beverage brands, wine varietals, and storage requirements.
- Experience supporting audits, inspections, and inventory reconciliations.
- Understanding of cost-control strategies within food and beverage operations.
- Familiarity with maritime compliance, customs controls, and bonded stores procedures.
- Experience training or supervising junior inventory or storeroom personnel.
- Double cabin.
- 6:2 rotation (auto-renewable contracts of 6 consecutive months onboard, followed by 2 months of vacation).
Cellar Master employer: Cruise Academy
As a Chef de Partie Butcher with us, you will join a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to culinary excellence aboard our cruise ship. We offer a unique work environment that fosters professional growth, with opportunities to refine your skills in butchery while enjoying a 6/2 rotation that allows for ample time off. Our commitment to food safety and quality, combined with a diverse cultural atmosphere, makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding career in the culinary arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cellar Master
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Cruise Academy. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Cruise Academy
Don't be shy about reaching out to Cruise Academy directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cellar Master
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Cruise Academy and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cruise Academy
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
