At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the beverage strategy and innovate across Soho House locations in the UK.
- Company: Join Soho House, an inclusive employer with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, global perks, career development, and fun team events.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Shape a unique beverage experience and make a real impact in hospitality.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in beverage operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
This job is with Soho House, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
The Head of Bars Beverage, UK is responsible for leading the development, execution, and continuous evolution of the beverage strategy across Soho House locations in the UK.
Reporting to the Head of Bars Beverage, UK, Europe Asia, this role will help shape and deliver a best-in-class beverage experience that reflects Soho House's brand, ethos, and member expectations.
The role will work closely with Operations, Procurement, Finance, Design, Membership, and People Development to drive innovation, operational excellence, commercial performance, and consistency across the UK Houses.
With oversight of menu development, beverage programming, supplier relationships, operational standards, and talent development, the Head of Bars Beverage, UK will ensure that the beverage offering is commercially successful, operationally effective, and aligned with both local market dynamics and Soho House's global brand positioning.
This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role that will combine strategic thinking with a strong operational presence across the UK Houses.
Main Duties...
- Beverage Strategy Innovation
- Lead the development and execution of the UK beverage strategy in partnership with the Head of Bars Beverage, UK, Europe Asia.
- Drive the evolution of cocktail, wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverage programs across the UK.
- Lead seasonal innovation, trend integration, and new beverage concepts that are aligned with Soho House's brand and member expectations.
- Commercial Performance
- Drive beverage performance across the UK portfolio, with accountability for pricing, COGS, gross profit, margins, budgets, and forecasting.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance profitability.
- Establish scalable best practices for purchasing, inventory management, cost control, and beverage operations.
- Operations Standards
- Set and maintain beverage standards across all UK Houses, ensuring consistency in product, quality, service, and execution.
- Partner with General Managers, Operations Directors, and House leadership teams to drive operational performance and accountability.
- Support new openings, renovations, and bar development projects to ensure operational functionality and an exceptional member experience.
- Suppliers Industry Partnerships
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, producers, and key industry partners.
- Partner with Procurement and the Head of Bars Beverage, UK, Europe Asia, on sourcing strategies, negotiations, and commercial partnerships.
- Ensure product quality, availability, value, and alignment with Soho House standards.
- Leadership Talent Development
- Build and develop bar leadership capability across the UK through coaching, training, and structured development programs.
- Partner with People Development to support technical training, product education, succession planning, and internal progression.
- Coach and mentor Bar Managers and operational leaders to drive performance and consistency.
- Brand, Compliance Member Experience
- Help shape and maintain the beverage identity of Soho House across the UK, ensuring a consistent yet locally relevant experience.
- Act as a brand ambassador for Soho House within the hospitality and beverage industry.
- Ensure compliance with UK licensing, alcohol, health and safety, food safety, and company standards.
Experience Required
- 8–10+ years of experience in beverage or FB operations within hospitality, restaurants, hotels, members' clubs, or a similar environment.
- Proven experience leading or supporting multi-site or regional beverage programs.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets, COGS, pricing, margins, and financial performance.
- Deep knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, with a strong understanding of the UK market.
- Experience managing supplier and industry relationships, including sourcing and commercial negotiations.
- Proven leadership and talent development experience, with the ability to build high-performing teams.
- Strong operational knowledge, including inventory management, licensing, and compliance.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Experience supporting new openings, renovations, or the development of new beverage concepts is preferred.
- Proficiency in POS and inventory systems, such as MICROS, and Microsoft Office.
- Hospitality, Business, or related degree preferred but not essential.
Why work with us...
Soho House offers competitive compensation packages that feature global benefits and perks.
Whether you're seeking entry-level employment or a new opportunity to expand your profession, we offer training to develop the technical and managerial skills necessary to enhance your career.
- Career Development: Soho House can progress your career domestically or internationally as well as managerially or technically
- Soho Impact: Empowering the Soho House Community to make positive change, through mentoring, apprenticeship, local outreach and sustainability
- Learning Development: An extensive range of internally and externally run courses are available for all employees.
- Cookhouse House Tonic: Celebrating our passion for food and drink. Check out our monthly calendars and get involved in trips, training's and events. Available to all.
- Team Events: From fitness sessions to cinema screenings and art classes, each month we hold a series of fun events which you can sign up to.
- Team Meal: Whilst on duty in our Houses Restaurants you will be provided with a substantial meal free of charge.
Head of Bars & Beverage, UK in London employer: Soho House
Soho House in Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and service excellence thrive. With benefits like weekly pay, health plans, and ongoing training opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while enjoying the unique atmosphere of one of the city's most stylish venues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Bars & Beverage, UK in London
✨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 Soho House. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Soho House
Don't be shy about reaching out to Soho House 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 Head of Bars & Beverage, UK in London
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 Soho House 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 Soho House
✨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!
