Beverage Director

Cristian Pietoso Italian Restaurants is a Cincinnati-based, family-owned restaurant group led by chef and owner Cristian Pietoso and his wife Amanda. The company is dedicated to offering authentic and innovative Italian cuisine in various atmospheres across the Cincinnati area, from casual elegance to fine dining

The Beverage Director is a corporate-level management position responsible for the strategic planning, leadership, and operational oversight of the entire beverage program. This role combines creativity in menu development with strong business knowledge to maximize profitability and enhance the guest experience.

Responsibilities

Menu and concept development: 

• Create and implement innovative and profitable beverage menus and promotions, staying current with industry trends.
• Cocktail and beer list changed seasonal at all four locations
• Wine Wednesday Special Menus at Fornos
• Works with purveyors to find Special pricing or close outs
• Monthly featured wine bottles
• Promotion and staff training

Financial management: 

• Develop and manage the beverage budget, control costs (including inventory and labor), and ensure profitability.
• Increase sales on all beverages including bottled water and after dinner drinks/ Nicola’s barcart.
• Regularly pulls sales reports to ensure goals are being met as well as cost percentages.

Staff management: 

• Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate all beverage staff, including bartenders and servers.
• This includes pulling sales reports and addressing sales on an individual level.
• Creates and prints training materials and beverage specs for staff.
• Train staff in effective sales techniques.
• Regular beverage knowledge tests to promote growth.
• Creates and maintains beverage spec binders.
• Assist staff with acquiring their level one sommelier certification.

Operations and quality control: 

• Ensure all beverages are prepared and served to high-quality standards, and that all areas maintain cleanliness and safety regulations.
• Works with bartenders to ensure all pours are being measured accurately.
• Standardization of all classic cocktails.

Inventory and vendor management: 

• Oversee beverage ordering, inventory, and waste reduction. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
• Assists with taking inventory at the location they are working on inventory day.
• Updates LBW ordering guides as well as Inventory Sheets in R365
• Glassware Inventory and Ordering with communication to GM’s
• Organize Wine Cellars and beverage storage
• Label products and ensure everything is being properly rotated.

Guest relations: 

• Handle guest complaints and ensure a positive guest experience.
• On the floor during service to assist with sales and quality of beverages.
• Table touches and assisting staff with selling techniques and beverage knowledge.

Collaboration: 

• Work with other departments, such as GMs, BOH, marketing, and accounting, to coordinate sales contests, events, and marketing initiatives. 
• Develop strong relationships with suppliers and schedules regular tastings
• Works closely with GMs and staff to make

Benefits/ Compensation:

• 70% Employer covered Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 100% Life Insurance and STD
• 401k
• Closed for lunches and Sundays (exception of Easter and Mother's Day)
• PTO, Sick Time, and Paid Holidays
• Manager Incentive Program
• 70,000k annually

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business, Sales or a related field preferred, not required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a beverage management role, with experience as a Sommelier or Bar Manager.
• Level 2 Certified Sommelier from Master Court of Sommeliers required.
• Proven track record in cost control, budget management, and staff leadership.
• Relevant certifications are highly recommended (e.g., WSET, Cicerone).
• Knowledge of local liquor laws and required licenses. 

Skills:

• Deep knowledge of wine, spirits, beer, and cocktails.
• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
• Must be an inspiring leader who is passionate and personable.
• Strong financial and analytical skills for budgeting and cost management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Proficiency in management and POS systems.