Beverage Manager

Beverage Manager — Zeppelin DC & Restaurant Group
Full-Time

Zeppelin pairs the artistry of Japanese cuisine with the adventure of the Golden Age of airships, bringing together Edomae-style sushi, charcoal-grilled yakitori, and omakase in a space that balances precision with warmth. At Zeppelin, we don't have customers, we have guests — and hospitality, not just the plate, is what brings people back.

Position Summary
We are building a pipeline of experienced Beverage Managers for future opportunities across Zeppelin and our broader restaurant group. While this posting is not tied to one specific immediate opening, we welcome the opportunity to connect with strong candidates for roles at Zeppelin, as well as other locations within the group, as they arise.

The Beverage Manager will work closely with our sake sommelier and management team to curate a cohesive, full beverage menu spanning wine, sake, cocktails, beer, and our tea and coffee program. This role is responsible for ensuring every item on the program is intentional, well-executed, and consistent with the restaurant's overall concept and atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the sake sommelier and management team to develop and refine the full beverage program, including wine, sake, cocktails, beer, and tea and coffee
• Oversee all beverage ordering and inventory management
• Ensure beverage standards are consistently followed across the team, leading by example on the floor
• Build and maintain strong relationships with distributor reps and brand partners
• Work with brands and coordinate beverage-related events — a key part of what drives success in this role
• Train and develop the bar and service team's product knowledge across the full beverage program
• Oversee cost controls and vendor relationships
• Ensure compliance with all local and federal alcohol service regulations

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a beverage management or lead bartending role within fine dining or upscale service, required
• Strong knowledge of wine, sake, spirits, beer, and tea/coffee programs
• A solid knowledge of Japanese beverages is greatly needed; deeper expertise in Japanese spirits and ingredients is a plus
• Demonstrated experience managing inventory, cost controls, and vendor relationships
• Established relationships with distributor reps and brand partners a plus
• Proven ability to train and develop a team's product knowledge and service standards, leading by example
• A collaborative, team-first approach — this role works closely with FOH leadership and staff at every level

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, commensurate with experience
• Health insurance, paid time off, and sick time, effective after 90 days of employment
• Opportunities for growth at Zeppelin, as well as other locations within our restaurant group, as they become available
• A workplace that genuinely invests in its people through training, product knowledge, and a real hospitality culture

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000