Cellar Manager

The Rocks, Sydney
Full-Time | Opening September 2026

After four years in development, one of Sydney's most anticipated hospitality openings is almost here.

The Observer Hotel is returning to The Rocks following an extensive heritage restoration, reopening in September 2026 as a modern interpretation of the great English tavern.

Operated by Barrelhouse Group – the team behind The Duke of Clarence, The Barber Shop and Barrelhouse Cellars – The Observer will combine premium British-inspired food, craft beer, traditional cask ales, a full cocktail program, an extensive whisky and spirits offering and live entertainment within one of Sydney's most historic venues.

We are looking for an experienced and highly organised Cellar Manager to join our opening team and take ownership of the cellar, beverage inventory and day-to-day cellar operations.

With a significant draught beer and cask ale program, the cellar will be at the heart of The Observer's beverage operation. This is an important hands-on role for someone who takes pride in quality, organisation and making sure the bars have everything they need to deliver exceptional service.

As Cellar Manager, you will work closely with the Venue Manager, Assistant Venue Manager and bar team to ensure our cellar, beverage stock and bar support operations run efficiently.

You will take responsibility for:

• Day-to-day management and organisation of the cellar

• Receiving, checking and correctly storing beverage deliveries

• Keg management, rotation and changeovers

• Maintaining appropriate keg and beverage stock levels

• Monitoring inventory and communicating ordering requirements to management

• Conducting and assisting with regular beverage stocktakes

• Maintaining accurate stock movement and transfer records

• Monitoring stock rotation and minimising wastage

• Maintaining cellar temperature and appropriate beverage storage conditions

• Maintaining exceptional cellar cleanliness, hygiene and organisation

• Cleaning and maintaining beer lines in accordance with the venue's cleaning schedule. The role will undertake beer line cleaning for both The Duke Of Clarence and The Observer Hotel.

• Ensuring taps, couplers, keg connections and cellar equipment are maintained correctly

• Identifying and reporting faults with beer systems, refrigeration or cellar equipment

• Supporting the management and conditioning of our traditional cask ale program

• Ensuring kegs, gas systems and beverage equipment are handled safely

• Managing empty keg storage, returns and cellar waste

• Maintaining organised storage areas and ensuring stock is easily accessible

• Supporting daily bar replenishment and restocking

• Preparing fruit, garnishes, juices, syrups and other cocktail ingredients as required

• Assisting with other bar mise en place ahead of service

• Ensuring bars are appropriately stocked and prepared before busy trading periods

• Communicating clearly with the bar and management teams regarding stock levels, shortages and upcoming requirements

• Maintaining food safety, WHS and venue compliance standards relevant to the cellar and beverage operation

The role will primarily operate behind the scenes, but your work will directly influence the quality and consistency of every beer and drink served across the venue.

The Observer Hotel is being designed as a great pub with a serious beverage offering.

Our program will include:

• Extensive draught beer selection

• Traditional hand-pulled cask ales

• Australian and international craft beer

• Full classic and seasonal cocktail program

• Extensive whisky and premium spirits selection

• Wine program

• High-volume pub and bar service

For the right person, this is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of an important part of a significant new beverage operation.

We're looking for someone who is practical, highly organised and comfortable taking responsibility for their area of the business.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience and passion for managing a cellar or beverage operation within a pub, bar, hotel or high-volume hospitality venue

• Strong knowledge of draught beer systems and keg management

• Understanding of beer line cleaning and cellar hygiene

• Knowledge of correct beverage storage, rotation and stock control

• Strong organisational and inventory-management skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Ability to identify stock issues before they impact service

• Good communication skills and ability to work closely with management and bar teams

• Ability to work independently and manage your own workload

• A hands-on approach and willingness to support the wider bar operation

• Understanding of safe manual handling and workplace safety

• Pride in maintaining an exceptionally clean and organised working environment

Knowledge or experience with traditional cask-conditioned ale would be highly regarded, but training can be provided for the right candidate.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who understands that a great cellar is fundamental to running a great pub.

• Join the opening team of a major new Sydney hospitality venue

• Take ownership of a brand-new cellar and beverage operation

• Work with an extensive draught beer and traditional cask ale program

• Full-time position within an established independent hospitality group

• Work alongside an experienced venue and bar management team

• Training and development opportunities

• Staff meal provided while on shift

• Supportive and collaborative workplace culture

• Genuine opportunities for career development within Barrelhouse Group

Barrelhouse Group operates a collection of award-winning Sydney hospitality venues including The Duke of Clarence, The Barber Shop and Barrelhouse Cellars.

We are passionate about creating distinctive venues with strong identities, exceptional food and beverage programs and positive workplace cultures where hospitality professionals can develop and build long-term careers.

If you're passionate about beer, take pride in organisation and want to take ownership of the cellar behind one of Sydney's most exciting new pub openings, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications are now open.