Head Mixologist

Job Description

We invite you to join the world of luxury hospitality at Fairmont Olympic as our new FT Founder's Club Head Mixologist! The Head Mixologist is the visionary leader of the Founder’s cocktail culture, responsible for creating a beverage program that sets new standards for luxury hospitality and establishes The Founder’s club as a destination for exceptional cocktails. Beyond operational leadership, this role is charged with continuously pushing creative boundaries through original cocktail development, innovative techniques, ingredient exploration, and immersive guest experiences.

The Head Mixologist will assist General Manager of outlets to drive the strategic evolution of the beverage program with the long-term goal of achieving national and international recognition, positioning the venue among the most respected and influential cocktail destinations in the industry, including aspirations toward World's 50 Best Bars consideration. This position is highly hands-on and guest-facing, serving as a mentor and ambassador for Founders Club while ensuring the bar team continuously develops their mixology knowledge, technical skills, and confidence behind the bar.

Key Responsibilities:

Beverage & Cocktail Program Development:

• Serve as the creative architect of the Founder’s Club beverage identity, developing an evolving cocktail program that is distinctive, market-leading, and reflective of the hotel's luxury positioning.
• Design and execute original cocktails utilizing advanced mixology techniques, house-made ingredients, seasonal products, and innovative presentation methods.
• Introduce sustainable cocktail initiatives that support responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship while enhancing creativity.
• Establish a culture of continuous experimentation through regular research and development sessions, tasting panels, and collaborative innovation workshops.
• Research global cocktail trends, techniques, ingredients, and industry innovations.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy of all cocktail recipes and specifications.
• Collaborate with leadership on seasonal menu updates and special beverage features/activations.
• Lead menu engineering initiatives that balance creativity, guest appeal, operational efficiency, and profitability.
• Assist General Manager of outlet to develop and execute an annual strategic plan to elevate Founder’s cocktail program into a nationally recognized destination.
• Build a reputation for innovation through industry participation, cocktail competitions, media engagement, guest shifts, and collaborative events.
• Foster a culture of excellence that encourages team members to contribute ideas, pursue education, and achieve professional recognition.
• Establish measurable standards that align with the operational, creative, and hospitality benchmarks demonstrated by leading bars featured on World's 50 Best Bars and other prestigious industry rankings.

Team Training & Education:

• Conduct spirit and cocktail training sessions and train colleagues on spirits, cocktail techniques, product knowledge, and storytelling.
• Mentor bartenders and barbacks to support their professional growth and development.
• Create and maintain educational resources, venue recipe books, and training materials.

Guest Experience:

• Deliver elevated, personalized guest experiences that align with Fairmont and LQA standards.
• Rotate between working behind the bar and engaging with guests on the floor.
• Create memorable experiences for VIP and repeat guests.

Other responsibilities:

• Ensure all cocktails are executed consistently and according to approved specs.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, technique, and service at all times.
• Support cleanliness and organization within the bar.
• Monitor glassware, bar tools, and beverage-related supplies.
• Assist with monthly beverage inventory and requisitions as directed by leadership.

Qualifications

What will you bring to this role?

• Embrace the Fairmont brand promise and luxury in your role and in all your interactions.
• Foster an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected 
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in luxury hospitality, craft cocktail bars, or elevated beverage programs preferred.
• Proven experience contributing to cocktail menu development, beverage innovation, and guest-facing cocktail experiences.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, wine, beer, cocktail techniques, ingredients, and emerging beverage trends.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and guest engagement skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, luxury hospitality environment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business levels require.
• Relevant certifications preferred (ServSafe, WSET, or equivalent beverage education).

Physical Aspects of Position include but are not limited to:

• Constant standing and walking throughout the shift.
• Frequent lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent kneeling, pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting.
• Frequent ascending and descending of ladders, stairs, and ramps.

Additional Information

Employee Benefits: 

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague perks, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays across Fairmont & Raffles properties, special dining and wellness discounts, and added luxuries to enhance your experience. We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits. 

What is in it for you:

• $27.94 per hour + tips
• Employee travel program offering discounted rates in Fairmont’s and Accor worldwide
• Parking/Commuting Discounts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available to all full-time employees and their families. Additional supplemental insurance available. Free base employee only medical insurance
• Paid meal breaks with complimentary meals served in our Staff Dining room.
• Learning programs through our Academies
• 401K Retirement plans with a 4% match for all colleagues
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities
• Fun, elegant atmosphere with amazing colleagues!

Our Values

Respect: We value the needs, ideas and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity. 

Excellence: We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special.​

Belonging: We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together.​

Empowerment: We have authority to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences.

​Integrity: We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.​

Diversity & Inclusion

Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.