Junior Assistant Food & Beverage Manager

Straight Talk. Real Experience. No Bull-ship. ✨

At Cruise Academy, we don’t just teach it - we’ve lived it. Founded in 2017 by seafarers for seafarers, we specialize in maritime training and shipboard recruitment for the global cruise industry.

We tell it like it is - the good, the bad, and the downright exhausting. No sugarcoating, no sales pitch - just real, honest insights from those who’ve been there. Because you deserve to know exactly what to expect before stepping onboard.

We are MLC Certified and proudly audited and approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, ensuring the highest standards in training, recruitment, and compliance.

If you're serious about a career at sea, we’ll get you there - the right way.

Position Summary

The Junior Assistant Food & Beverage Manager supports onboard beverage operations by ensuring exceptional guest experiences, maximizing revenue opportunities, and maintaining high service standards across all beverage outlets. This role is responsible for overseeing bar service execution, optimizing inventory management, driving staff performance, and utilizing technology to enhance operational efficiency. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with strong problem-solving abilities, a passion for guest service, and a keen eye for operational excellence in a high-volume food and beverage environment.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Service Recovery

• Ensure all bar staff act as brand ambassadors, providing a professional and engaging guest experience.
• Take full ownership of service recovery, resolving guest concerns in a timely and personalized manner.
• Monitor beverage service execution, ensuring prompt and accurate guest order processing through POS systems.

Revenue Optimization & Financial Performance

• Consistently exceed Beverage Division revenue targets by reducing friction points and driving guest engagement.
• Monitor onboard beverage package sales during the first days of the voyage to maximize sales opportunities.
• Provide financial performance insights to the Bar Manager, identifying revenue trends and opportunities.
• Accurately enter and reconcile special customer orders, such as Champagne Waterfalls, Chef’s Table, and Catering Transfers.

Operational Excellence & Inventory Management

• Lead bar counts and stock management in high-traffic areas to prevent overstocking and product waste.
• Oversee food and beverage consumable orders, ensuring alignment with business needs and expiration tracking.
• Accurately track and report beverage transfers and inventory in Crunchtime, preventing accounting discrepancies.
• Conduct Crew Cambusa sales, ensuring transactions are documented for visibility and tracking purposes.

Technology & Process Optimization

• Ensure the full utilization of applications & Dining Reservation Systems to streamline service.
• Support venue capacity management by optimizing beverage service efficiency through digital tools.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Mentor and train the bar team, fostering career progression and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and ensure structured training programs are completed by all bar staff.
• Provide timely performance feedback and appraisals, escalating issues to the Bar Manager as needed.

Workforce Management & Compliance

• Assist in managing bar schedules and staffing forecasts, ensuring optimal manning levels based on event schedules.
• Ensure all beverage service areas maintain proper setup, appearance, and ambiance.
• Oversee maintenance logs and vendor scheduling, ensuring timely repairs and technical issue resolution.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Experience & Education

• Minimum 1 year of experience as an Assistant Food & Beverage Manager or similar role in high-volume F&B operations (hotel, hospitality, or cruise industry preferred).
• Preferably a graduate of a recognized hotel, catering, or culinary school.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong problem-solving and customer service skills, with the ability to resolve guest complaints effectively.
• Proficiency in MS Office, F&B management software, and POS systems.
• Strong analytical and logistical skills to optimize beverage operations and increase productivity.

Leadership & Communication

• Fluent English language skills (verbal and written).
• Personable, guest-focused communicator with a warm and professional approach.
• Ability to lead, coach, and inspire a diverse multicultural team.

Service Excellence & Adaptability

• Passion for delivering outstanding guest service with the ability to anticipate and exceed expectations.
• Strong commitment to maintaining a professional and courteous work environment.

Contract

• 6:2 Rotation (Rolling contracts of 6 months onboard the ship followed by 2 months of vacation.
• Shared cabin accommodation.