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