Drinks Development Manager

Competitive based on experience & annual bonus scheme

As part of Stonegate’s desire to develop and lead the cocktail category we are looking for a Drinks Development Manager to shake it up! This is a great opportunity for somebody who has knowledge and passion for the spirits and cocktail category with specific experience of developing and creating cocktail recipes and creative presentation solutions.

Like our drinks, we want a Drinks Development Manager who can offer great quality and standout from the crown by delivering results. You will be responsible for optimising our cocktail offer across all of our formats, from the initial research, through to development and delivery.

This is a new role within the business and the key responsibilities of the Drink Development Manager include:


  • Working with key stakeholders to scope, build and deliver a fully functional cocktail database within Starchef that feeds in costings, recipes, specifications and finished product images.
  • Develop a bank of cocktails that will inspire and be relevant for our consumers by format and drive category growth.
  • Create & Test all new cocktails to ensure they satisfy the taste profile, speed of service requirements and guest style.
  • Prepare and deliver drink tastings for menu sign offs.
  • Deliver clear, concise and appropriate cocktail information to our training team for onward cocktail training at outlet level.
  • Understand and implement the contractual and non-contractual obligations agreed with suppliers around cocktails, listings and specifications.
  • Explore new products in conjunction with the suppliers and commercial team and to lead product development trends.
  • Ensure full understanding and consideration of glassware, equipment, labour and bar skills to expedite the relevant ranges in each of our formats

Our ideal Drinks Development Manager will have the following skills:

  • Brand and category knowledge across spirits and cocktails with experience in process, ingredients, provenance and trends.
  • Bartending or bar management experience is a must within an arena that has specific cocktail focus.
  • An ability to bring relevance and understanding to the business to ensure the appropriate focus is given to the category by the business.
  • Powerful communication skills, able to establish Self-starter, able to work autonomously, think creatively and engage key people at all levels.

Why work for Stonegate? You will receive a competitive + bonus, with 25 days holiday + annual leave purchase scheme, discount card to use in our sites and a range of other benefits including health (Vitality Healthcare) and dental insurance, and discounted David Lloyd gym membership.


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