General Manager and Beverage Director:
Location: Singapore
Restaurant Opening: 3rd Quarter 2026
Reports to: Managing Director
We are seeking a General Manager / Beverage Director to join the founding leadership team and help build the restaurant from the ground up.
Role Overview
The General Manager / Beverage Director is responsible for leading the front-of-house operation and beverage program while helping shape the identity, culture, and standards of the restaurant.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in ambitious restaurants and who is passionate about:
- hospitality at the highest level
- world-class beverage programs
- team development
- operational excellence
The role requires both strategic leadership and daily presence on the floor.
Core Responsibilities
Restaurant Leadership and Culture
- Partner with the leadership team to define and build the restaurant’s culture, service philosophy and guest experience.
- Build and lead all front-of-house systems/ operations
- Establish and maintain the highest standards of hospitality.
- Serve as the primary ambassador of the restaurant to guests, partners, and the community.
Beverage Program
Design and execute a beverage program aligned with the restaurant’s philosophy.
Responsibilities include:
• Building and managing the wine/ alcoholic beverage program
• Developing a thoughtful non-alcoholic beverage program
• Designing pairing menus
• Developing beverage pricing strategy
• Building relationships with producers, importers, and distributors
• Overseeing cellar management and inventory
• Beverage cost control and pricing strategy
• Beverage staff training and development
Opening Team Responsibilities
As part of the opening leadership team, you will:
• Define and establish the restaurant’s service philosophy and standards, including developing service manuals and SOPs
• Design and operationalize relevant FOH systems
• Define and shape the guest journey from reservation to departure
• Establish supplier relationship
• Assist with hiring and training the opening team
• Lead service rehearsals and training programs
Guest Experience
• Actively manage the dining room during service.
• Build strong relationships with guests and regulars.
• Handle guest feedback and recovery at the highest level.
• Maintain the highest service standards
• Create an environment where guests feel welcomed, inspired, and cared for.
Team Development
• Recruit, mentor, and retain exceptional hospitality professionals.
• Build a culture rooted in respect, humility, and excellence.
• Train the team in:
- product knowledge
- beverage service
- guest engagement
- fine dining standards
• Develop future leaders within the team.
• Maintain strong communication and collaboration with the culinary team
Operations & Financial Performance
• Oversee all front-of-house operations
• Manage service flow and guest experience
• Coordinate reservations and seating strategy
• Handle guest feedback and service recovery
• Ensure compliance with licensing and safety requirements
• Manage FOH scheduling, payroll, budgets and labor costs
• Oversee beverage purchasing and inventory control.
• Maintain target beverage cost percentages and achieve revenue targets
• Collaborate with ownership on forecasting and financial performance (P&L and operational metrics)
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for a leader who combines deep hospitality experience, beverage expertise, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Experience
- 7–10+ years in hospitality leadership roles
- Leadership experience in fine-dining environments and ingredient-driven restaurants
- Proven experience managing teams and service operations
- Strong background in wine and beverage programs
- Experience opening restaurants is highly valued
Beverage Expertise
Strong knowledge in:
- Old World and New World wine regions, producers and styles
- Other spirits and beverage traditions, producers and styles in Asia
- Experience building thoughtful wine lists/ beverage offerings
- Food and beverage pairing
- Cellar management
- Non-alcoholic beverage programs
Preferred credentials:
- Advanced Sommelier
- WSET Diploma
- Master Sommelier track
- Other wine/ spirits/ tea/ coffee credentials
Leadership Traits
We value people who are:
• Visionaries who are tenacious in bringing their vision to life
• Genuinely passionate about food, beverage and hospitality
• Curious and constantly learning
• Calm under pressure
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Willing to wear multiple hats as needed in a start-up
This role requires someone comfortable balancing creative work and operational discipline.
