Bar/Beverage Category Manager

Job Summary:

The Bar/Beverage Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing beverage category strategies that drive sales, margin, and brand alignment across the organization. This role leads pricing, assortment, vendor partnerships, and promotional planning while providing subject-matter expertise and guidance to field operations to ensure consistent execution and elevated guest experience.

Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Performance

• Develop and execute beverage category strategies aligned with company objectives
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities
• Establish pricing strategies and product assortments to optimize sales and profitability
• Drive innovation in beverage offerings to align with evolving customer preferences
• Conduct regular reviews of product performance and implement adjustments as needed
• Monitor category sales, margins, and inventory levels

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and promotional funding with beverage suppliers
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure product availability and favorable terms
• Evaluate vendor performance and address service, quality, or compliance issues

Marketing, Merchandising & Execution

• Partner with Marketing and Operations to develop and execute promotional calendars
• Ensure product placement, planograms, and merchandising standards are optimized for sales
• Support product launches, limited-time offers, and seasonal programs
• Create recipes that support the overall beverage program, including handcrafted beverages, bundled offers, and cross-promotional items
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve category results

Field Support & Standards

• Serve as beverage subject-matter expert for store and bar teams
• Develop standards, guidelines, and training materials for beverage programs
• Train and guide store leadership on new products, promotions, and merchandising expectations
• Ensure consistent execution of beverage programs across locations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, marketing, or related field preferred
• 3–7 years of experience in beverage category management, hospitality management, or related role
• Strong knowledge of spirits, beer, wine, and beverage trends
• Proven experience with pricing, assortment planning, vendor negotiation, and margin management
• Strong analytical, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to travel as needed to support field execution

Why Work With Us

• Create Experiences, Not Just Menus: You’ll help shape beverage offerings that enhance the guest experience, reflect current trends, and keep our bars feeling fresh and relevant.
• Room to Grow: Join a growing organization that values creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement in its beverage programs.
• Partner closely with Operations, Marketing, and store teams who are passionate about great service and great products.

Rutter’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer.