Head Mixologist / Beverage Manager - Regent Kuala Lumpur (Pre-Opening)
IHG · Malaysia
WHAT’S THE JOB?
At Regent Kuala Lumpur, we want to elevate our guests above the noise, this can only be achieved if we thoughtfully manage and connect the service processes. Every role here plays a part in that promise, bringing care and poise to the guest journey, whether guests see it directly or feel it in the quality of their stay.
Across every restaurant, bar, and lounge — indoors and out, intimate and high-volume — Regent Kuala Lumpur's beverage offering is built to move fluidly with the mood of the moment. From an elevated destination bar built for being seen to poolside pours and quiet lobby moments, each venue draws on a shared cocktail and wine philosophy, curated centrally and delivered with craft.
As Head Mixologist / Beverage Manager, you own this programme end to end — curating cocktail and wine menus, building relationships across Kuala Lumpur's and the region's bar scene, and representing Regent as a confident, media-friendly face of the brand. Full command of the beverage concept, Regent's F&B philosophy, and the storytelling instinct to bring every offering to life is essential to this senior leadership role.
YOUR DAY TO DAY
People
- Plan and assign work across the beverage team, ensuring the right staffing numbers at all times
- Train colleagues on cocktail and beverage service to ensure compliance with Regent's expected standards, with comprehensive understanding of relevant beverage service Brand Standards (BSA)
- Lead the cocktail training programme for the entire F&B division, arranging internal and external training, supplier-led tastings, and brand-specific sessions, and maintaining the training schedule
- Drive a great working environment for teams to thrive, linking departments to create a sense of one team
- Promote teamwork and quality service through regular communication and coordination with other departments
- Build and maintain a strong network across Kuala Lumpur's and the region's bar scene, staying close to emerging trends, talent, and partnerships
Financial
- Develop sound, compelling cocktail sales strategies with F&B leadership to achieve set financial goals, balancing guest experience and brand reputation with commercial performance
- Support the annual budget, beverage revenue and cost forecasts, and departmental goal-setting with F&B leadership
- Maintain a strong understanding of the market and competitor set, identifying opportunities to enhance cocktail revenue
- Curate cocktail and wine menus across all F&B venues, working with the Chef, PR team, and Cost Controller to ensure each reflects its own concept while remaining part of one coherent beverage story
- Support the annual F&B marketing programme for cocktails and beverages with the hotel's marketing and PR team
- Develop compelling cocktail promotions relevant to the seasonality and concept of each outlet
- Work closely with suppliers to keep the cocktail programme updated and compelling, developing promotions that support financial goals
- Lead the creation of the hotel-wide cocktail programme, incorporating house-pour spirits to ensure cost efficiency and consistent quality across all F&B venues
- Oversee wine list development in partnership with the Sommelier, ensuring a specialist standard appropriate to each venue
Guest Experience
- Work with F&B leadership to achieve quality and guest satisfaction goals, helping guests with requests and complaints to maintain a high level of satisfaction
- Analyse guest insights to identify and meet expectations, building guest loyalty
- Communicate regularly with guests to ensure expectations are met
- Apply cocktail and beverage expertise to elevate the guest experience wherever possible
- Actively communicate Regent's F&B philosophy to guests, promoting distinct cocktail and beverage experiences that elevate their stay
- Ensure all cocktail and beverage-related OS&E and FF&E are in the best operational condition and properly stocked to deliver a smooth, enjoyable guest experience
- Represent Regent as a confident, media-friendly ambassador for the beverage programme, comfortable engaging press, influencers, and industry events
- Ensure consistent quality and service across high-volume, multi-venue operations spanning indoor and outdoor spaces
Responsible Business
- Ensure beverage stock is secure and stored safely, with labelling and FIFO systems in place for perishable items and garnishes to minimise waste
- Ensure the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) complies with local regulations and IHG guidelines, and take part in regular audits
- Maintain familiarity with property safety, first aid, fire, and emergency procedures, acting to correct hazards as needed
- Ensure all financial transactions are handled securely and comply with local laws and IHG guidelines
- Ensure beverage inventory procedures are in place and comply with local and IHG guidelines, including minimum and maximum stock levels for wine
- Ensure alcohol service procedures are aligned with local regulations and IHG guidelines
Accountabilities
- Supervises Mixologists, Bartender Supervisors, and Bar Attendants across the hotel's F&B venues
- Accountable for the beverage programme's revenue target and overall profitability
- Team member satisfaction, measured through the Employee Satisfaction Survey
- Consistent delivery of The Taste Gallery philosophy and Forbes Five Star standards across every beverage touchpoint
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
- To thrive in this role and bring poise and precision to the guest journey, you'll need:
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum 5 years' professional experience, including at least 2 years at senior level within an international luxury environment
- Comprehensive knowledge of cocktails, spirits, and beverages
- Wine specialisation (e.g. WSET or equivalent) may be required
- Established network and genuine understanding of the bar scene in Kuala Lumpur and the wider region
- Comfortable and confident in media-facing situations, with strong storytelling ability
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build and lead high-performing teams
- Fluent English required; other languages an advantage