Cellar Master

Position Summary

The Cellar Master is responsible for the end-to-end management control and integrity of all beverage inventories onboard with a primary focus on wines spirits beers and non-alcoholic beverages. This role ensures accurate stock control proper storage regulatory compliance and seamless supply chain coordination to support uninterrupted onboard operations.

Working closely with Food & Beverage leadership shipboard finance and shore-side supply teams the Cellar Master plays a critical role in cost control audit readiness and maintaining product quality standards. The position requires strong organisational skills commercial awareness and the ability to operate effectively in a high-volume fast-paced maritime environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate control and accountability of all beverage inventory onboard including wines spirits beers soft drinks and consumables

• Oversee receiving verification storage rotation and issuing of beverage products in line with company procedures and safety standards

• Conduct regular stock counts cycle counts and full inventories ensuring variances are investigated explained and documented

• Monitor stock levels to prevent shortages overstocking spoilage or expired products

• Ensure correct storage conditions for wines and beverages including temperature control handling standards and security

• Prepare and submit inventory reports consumption analyses and variance explanations to shipboard and shore-side stakeholders

• Support cost-control initiatives through accurate forecasting waste reduction and responsible inventory management

• Coordinate closely with Food & Beverage management to support menu execution special events and beverage promotions

• Ensure compliance with flag-state regulations customs requirements alcohol handling laws and internal audit standards

• Participate in onboard audits inspections and inventory verifications as required

• Train and guide assigned crew in correct inventory handling storage and issuing procedures

• Maintain a clean safe and organised cellar and storage environment in accordance with health safety and environmental standards

Skills Knowledge & Experience

Non-Negotiable Requirements

• Previous experience in beverage inventory management cellar operations or supply control within a cruise ship hotel resort or large-scale hospitality environment

• Extensive working knowledge of wine including varietals regions storage handling and service standards

• Formal wine education demonstrated through WSET ISG CMS SWE or an equivalent recognised certification

• Strong working knowledge of stock control principles inventory accuracy and variance management

• Proven ability to work with inventory systems spreadsheets and digital reporting tools

• High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting strict deadlines

• Strong organisational and time-management skills

• Good command of English both written and verbal for reporting and operational communication

• Ability to live and work onboard a vessel in a rotational contract environment

Strongly Preferred

• Prior cruise ship experience in a Cellar Master Beverage Controller or similar role

• Knowledge of international beverage brands wine varietals and storage requirements

• Experience supporting audits inspections and inventory reconciliations

• Understanding of cost-control strategies within food and beverage operations

• Familiarity with maritime compliance customs controls and bonded stores procedures

• Experience training or supervising junior inventory or storeroom personnel

Contract Details

• Double cabin

• 6:2 rotation (auto-renewable contracts of 6 consecutive months onboard followed by 2 months of vacation