Job Description

Cellar Manager | Opening Team | The Observer Hotel

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The Rocks, Sydney
n Full-Time | Opening September 2026

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Role

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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.

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You will take responsibility for:

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- Day-to-day management and organisation of the cellar
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- Receiving, checking and correctly storing beverage deliveries
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- Keg management, rotation and changeovers
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- Maintaining appropriate keg and beverage stock levels
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- Monitoring inventory and communicating ordering requirements to management
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- Conducting and assisting with regular beverage stocktakes
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- Maintaining accurate stock movement and transfer records
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- Monitoring stock rotation and minimising wastage
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- Maintaining cellar temperature and appropriate beverage storage conditions
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- Maintaining exceptional cellar cleanliness, hygiene and organisation
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- 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.
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- Ensuring taps, couplers,



keg connections and cellar equipment are maintained correctly
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- Identifying and reporting faults with beer systems, refrigeration or cellar equipment
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- Supporting the management and conditioning of our traditional cask ale program
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- Ensuring kegs, gas systems and beverage equipment are handled safelyManaging empty keg storage, returns and cellar waste
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- Maintaining organised storage areas and ensuring stock is easily accessible
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- Supporting daily bar replenishment and restocking
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- Preparing fruit, garnishes, juices, syrups and other cocktail ingredients as required
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- Assisting with other bar mise en place ahead of service
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- Ensuring bars are appropriately stocked and prepared before busy trading periods
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- Communicating clearly with the bar and management teams regarding stock levels, shortages and upcoming requirements
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- Maintaining food safety, WHS and venue compliance standards relevant to the cellar and beverage operation
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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.

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Our Beverage Program

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

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Our program will include:

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- Extensive draught beer selection
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- Traditional hand-pulled cask ales
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- Australian and international craft beer
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- Full classic and seasonal cocktail program
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- Extensive whisky and premium spirits selection
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- Wine program
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- High-volume pub and bar service
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For the right person, this is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of an important part of a significant new beverage operation.

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About You

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

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You will ideally have:

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- Previous experience and passion for managing a cellar or beverage operation within a pub, bar, hotel or high-volume hospitality venue
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- Strong knowledge of draught beer systems and keg management
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- Understanding of beer line cleaning and cellar hygiene
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- Knowledge of correct beverage storage, rotation and stock control
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- Strong organisational and inventory-management skills
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- Excellent attention to detail
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- Ability to identify stock issues before they impact service
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- Good communication skills and ability to work closely with management and bar teams
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- Ability to work independently and manage your own workload
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- A hands-on approach and willingness to support the wider bar operation
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- Understanding of safe manual handling and workplace safety
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- Pride in maintaining an exceptionally clean and organised working environment
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Knowledge or experience with traditional cask-conditioned ale would be highly regarded, but training can be provided for the right candidate.

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

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What We Offer

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- Join the opening team of a major new Sydney hospitality venue
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- Take ownership of a brand-new cellar and beverage operation
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- Work with an extensive draught beer and traditional cask ale program
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- Full-time position within an established independent hospitality group
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- Work alongside an experienced venue and bar management team
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- Training and development opportunities
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- Staff meal provided while on shift
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- Supportive and collaborative workplace culture
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- Genuine opportunities for career development within Barrelhouse Group
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About Barrelhouse Group

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

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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.

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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 recent pub openings, we'd love to hear from you.

📌 Cellar Manager (The Rocks)
🏢 Barrelhouse Group
📍 The Rocks