Fleet Head of Mixology & Bar Innovation (Hybrid)

Department: Beverage

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Reporting To: Director, Restaurants & Bars

Description

The Fleet Head of Mixology & Bar Innovation role is responsible for the strategic development, execution, and continuous improvement of all beverage cocktail programs across the fleet. This position ensures that cocktail innovation, bar operations, training standards, and quality audits consistently reflect The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s luxury positioning, brand standards, and guest experience expectations.

The role acts as the subject-matter expert for mixology, bar excellence, and beverage performance, working closely with onboard leadership, L&G, Procurement, and Corporate F&B teams.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Lady or Gentleman for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with the Company's Safety, Quality and Environmental standards.

Essential Duties

Beverage Concept & Menu Development

· Lead the creation, evolution, and standardization of cocktail menus and beverage concepts across the fleet.

· Develop seasonal, regional, and signature cocktail offerings aligned with itineraries, ports of call, and brand storytelling.

· Ensure menu design balances creativity, operational feasibility, cost control, and consistency.

· Collaborate with Procurement to validate product availability, substitutions, and innovation opportunities.

Bar Operations & Standards

· Establish, implement, and maintain fleet-wide bar standards, SOPs, recipes, and specifications.

· Oversee bar setup, equipment standards, glassware, garnishes, and mise en place consistency.

· Support onboard teams with operational best practices to improve efficiency, speed of service, and guest engagement.

· Analyze beverage performance, sales mix, and trends to drive revenue optimization


Audits & Quality Assurance

· Conduct regular fleet bar audits (onboard and remote) to ensure compliance with brand standards, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.

· Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities, providing clear action plans and follow-up.

· Partner with Operations and L&G to address performance opportunities identified through audits, guest feedback, and KPIs.

Training & Talent Development

· Design and deliver structured mixology training programs for mixologists, bar servers, and beverage leaders.

· Support L&G with onboarding, certification pathways, and continuous development initiatives.

· Coach onboard leadership to elevate storytelling, service rituals, and guest interaction at the bar.

· Identify high-potential talent and support succession planning within the beverage discipline.

Brand, Guest Experience & Innovation

· Act as a brand ambassador for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection beverage identity.

· Ensure all beverage experiences reflect luxury service values, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

· Drive innovation while maintaining consistency and operational discipline.

· Contribute to special events, guest activations, partnerships, and premium experiences.

Qualifications

1. Valid Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and flag certification for the duration of the contract and appropriate to position
2. Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in luxury hospitality beverage operations
3. Proven background in cocktail development, bar management, and training.
4. Experience in cruise, yacht, luxury hotel, or high-end resort environments preferred.
5. Strong understanding of audits, SOP development, and quality assurance.
6. Advanced mixology knowledge with a strong focus on classic techniques and modern innovation.
7. Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills
   
   

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The Lady or Gentleman must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be physically able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency including the lowering of lifeboats. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be able to communicate in the English language in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Willing to work occasional evenings and weekends as required