Head of Bars & Beverage, UK

Job description

**The Role…** 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 F&B 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.