The Opportunity
Oconomowoc Lake Club is seeking a strategic and refined Beverage Manager to oversee the end-to-end beverage operations of our private club. This is a leadership role designed for a professional who balances a passion for mixology and wine knowledge with a sharp eye for business analytics. You will be responsible for the profitability, staff excellence, and cellar curation of the club’s entire beverage portfolio.
The ideal candidate is a master of classic mixology who also possesses a refined understanding of wines. You will be the face of the club’s lounge, responsible for maintaining an impeccable bar environment while serving our members and as a mentor to bar staff (direct reports), the service staff and a connoisseur for our membership.

About Us
Nestled on the shores of beautiful Oconomowoc Lake, the Oconomowoc Lake Club is a historic private social club offering exceptional dining, social events, tennis programs, sailing activities, and private event hosting. With approximately 260 dedicated members and their families, we deliver casual elegance in a welcoming, lakeside environment. Join our close-knit team and help elevate member experiences!

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operations
•  Departmental Oversight: Manage all beverage outlets within the club, including the main lounge, formal dining room, and banquet services.
•  Scheduling & Labor: Create and manage master schedules for all bar staff, ensuring lean but effective coverage that aligns with the club’s seasonal flow and event calendar.
•  Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop and enforce rigorous standards for service, hygiene, and uniform compliance across the beverage team.
•  Craftsmanship: Design and execute a seasonal craft cocktail menu that balances timeless classics with innovative, club-exclusive creations.

Staff Development & Training
•  Education Programs: Implement a mandatory curriculum for staff involving wine tasting, spirits history, and cocktail technique.
•  Recruitment: Source, interview, and onboard all bar personnel, fostering a team culture of "high-touch" member service.

Financial & Inventory Management
•  Procurement & Vendor Relations: Act as the primary liaison for wine, beer, and spirit distributors. Negotiate pricing and manage all purchasing.
•  Cellar Management: Curate a sophisticated wine list that reflects the tastes of the membership while maintaining a healthy "Cost of Goods Sold" (COGS). Perform monthly physical inventory audits.
•  Menu Engineering: Design and price cocktail and wine menus to maximize profitability without compromising quality.

The Member Experience
•  Event Collaboration: Partner with the Events/Banquet team to create bespoke beverage pairings for weddings, tournaments, and private member galas.
•  Presence: Maintain a high-profile presence on the floor during peak hours to engage with members and solicit feedback on the beverage program. While this role has administrative and leadership duties, the primary expectation is an active presence behind the bar during the most critical service windows.

Qualifications & Skills
•  Experience: 3+ years in high-end beverage service, with at least 2 years in a management or assistant management capacity.
•  Certifications: WSET Level 2/3, CMS Certified Sommelier, or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.**
•  Tech Savvy: Advanced proficiency in POS management (e.g., Northstar, Jonas, or ClubEssential) and beverage inventory software.
•  Legal: Deep understanding of state liquor laws and liability (TIPS/ServSafe Manager certification required).

What We Offer
•  Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses tied to COGS targets.
•  Commitment to Professional Excellence: We are dedicated to the continuous growth of our team. For the right candidate who demonstrates a passion for service and a drive to excel, the Club is prepared to provide financial support for advanced wine education and certifications (e.g., Sommelier levels or WSET).
•  Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, 401k).