Scope of Position:
To elevate the beverage experience throughout all Pullman hotel food and beverage outlets by creating innovative, profitable, and memorable beverage offerings while delivering exceptional guest service, supporting operational excellence, and upholding Pullman and Accor luxury hospitality standards. The Mixologist is responsible for creating exceptional beverage experiences across all Food & Beverage outlets within the hotel. This role combines creativity, technical expertise, product knowledge, and guest engagement to deliver world-class cocktails, premium beverage service, and innovative drink concepts aligned with Pullman Hotels & Resorts standards.
The Mixologist supports the beverage operation across all bars, restaurants, lounges, banquet facilities, in-room dining, executive lounges, pool outlets, and special events, ensuring consistency, profitability, and memorable guest experiences.
Specific duties, responsibilities & Key performance areas
Responsibilities:
Beverage Creation and Service
- Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to brand standards, recipes, and service procedures.
- Design signature cocktails that reflect the Pullman brand identity and local South African influences.
- Develop seasonal beverage menus, promotions, and cocktail experiences.
- Maintain consistency in beverage preparation, presentation, and quality across all outlets.
- Recommend wines, spirits, cocktails, and food pairings to guests.
- Stay informed about global beverage trends, mixology techniques, and premium products.
Multi-Outlet Support
Provide beverage expertise and operational support across:
- Main Hotel Bar
- Restaurant Bars
- Signature Specialty Restaurants
- Rooftop Bar
- Executive Lounge
- Conference and Banqueting Facilities
- Room Service / In-Room Dining
- VIP Functions and Corporate Events
Ensure beverage standards are consistently applied across all venues.
Guest Experience
- Deliver exceptional guest service and personalized beverage recommendations.
- Interact confidently with guests regarding cocktail ingredients, preparation techniques, wines, spirits, and local beverage culture.
- Proactively engage guests to create memorable experiences and enhance satisfaction.
- Handle guest feedback professionally and resolve beverage-related concerns promptly.
Beverage Program Development
- Collaborate with the Food & Beverage leadership team to develop innovative beverage concepts.
- Conduct menu engineering and beverage profitability reviews.
- Participate in beverage tastings and supplier presentations.
- Create beverage pairings supporting restaurant menu offerings.
- Promote premium brands and upselling initiatives.
Inventory and Cost Management
- Assist in controlling beverage costs and maintaining target beverage profit margins.
- Conduct regular stock counts and inventory checks.
- Monitor product usage and minimize wastage.
- Ensure proper storage and rotation of beverage stock.
- Support procurement and supplier relationship management.
Training and Development
- Train bartenders and service colleagues on cocktail preparation, beverage knowledge, and service excellence.
- Conduct regular product knowledge sessions.
- Develop beverage manuals and standard recipes.
- Promote responsible alcohol service practices.
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Accor and Pullman standards.
- Adhere to South African liquor legislation and responsible serving practices.
- Follow all food safety, health, and hygiene regulations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
- Ensure all bar equipment is used and maintained correctly.
Financial Responsibilities
- Support achievement of beverage revenue targets.
- Drive cocktail and premium spirit sales.
- Improve beverage gross profit through effective menu engineering.
- Reduce beverage wastage and stock variances.
- Maximize upselling opportunities across all F&B outlets.
Education
- Diploma or Certificate in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, or Mixology preferred.
- WSET, BarSmarts, Court of Master Sommeliers, or equivalent beverage certifications advantageous.
Experience
- Minimum 3-5 years' experience in luxury hotel, upscale restaurant, or premium cocktail bar environments.
- Experience within a multi-outlet hotel operation preferred.
- Previous experience with banqueting and event beverage service advantageous.
Technical Knowledge
- Extensive knowledge of:
- Spirits and Liqueurs
- Wines and Champagne
- Craft Cocktails
- Mixology Techniques
- Coffee and Tea Programs
- Food and Beverage Pairing
- Beverage Cost Control
- Inventory Management
- Luxury Guest Service Standards
Competencies
Core Competencies
- Guest Centricity
- Creativity and Innovation
- Communication Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Commercial Awareness
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Problem Solving
Leadership Competencies
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Training Facilitation
- Influencing Skills
Service Excellence Leadership