Company Overview

Kyoto Brewing Co. (herein KBC) is a craft beer brewery based south-west of Kyoto Station that started making beer in 2015. Heavily inspired by traditional Belgian brewing methods and the modern American craft beer movement, we have focused on brewing a diverse range of beer styles while looking for ways to positively impact our local community.

Company Context

In May 2025, Kyoto Brewing celebrated its 10th anniversary. The previous year brought significant changes across the company, including a renewed brewing program and a company-wide rebranding. These efforts culminated in our 10th anniversary beer festival, "Naminamito", held at the plaza in front of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple.

In March 2026, we also opened our first directly operated restaurant, Mion, located within Uzumasa Kyoto Village at Toei Kyoto Studio Park.

• UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE: Official Website
• Kyoto Brewing "Mion": More Information

Our next exciting step is the opening of Kyoto Brewing's first beer stand in the heart of central Kyoto.

Located just a short walk from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, the Tap Stand will offer a relaxed cash-on style experience with both standing and seated drinking areas, making it an easy place to stop in and enjoy great craft beer.

Next to the Tap Stand is a spacious shared outdoor area where guests can enjoy takeaway beer or take a leisurely walk along the Takase River or the Kamogawa, making this one of Kyoto's most vibrant and attractive locations.

Position Background

The Tap Stand is designed to operate primarily with a single staff member, working alongside neighbouring coffee and sweets stands. During weekends, public holidays, and other busy periods, the store will typically operate with two staff members.

As the Tap Stand Manager, you will take ownership of the daily operation of the store while also training and supporting part-time staff so that they can confidently operate the Tap Stand during your days off or whenever additional support is required.

About the Tap Stand

The KBC Tap Stand operates within a shared building alongside a coffee stand and a sweets shop, overlooking a spacious riverside lawn just a short walk from Shijo Street, Kawaramachi, and the Kamogawa River.

• Open seven days a week for most of the year (operating days may be adjusted during quieter winter periods)
• Opening hours are currently being finalized but are expected to run from early afternoon until late evening
• Weekdays: one full-time or part-time staff member, depending on the day
• Weekends, public holidays, and busy periods: one staff member plus one part-time support staff
• 6–8 rotating craft beers on tap
• Canned beer refrigerator, soft drinks, simple cocktails, and Kyoto Brewing merchandise available
• No food service

Facilities

• Walk-in refrigerated keg server with capacity for approximately 10 kegs
• Large display refrigerator for canned beer and spare kegs
• Large double sink (shared with neighbouring businesses)
• Ice maker (shared)

The Tap Stand operates on a cash-on basis. Customers drinking on-site are served in glassware, while takeaway orders are served in plastic cups.

The venue features both a standing service counter and a dedicated takeaway service window.

Indoor capacity is approximately 8–10 standing guests and 6–8 seated guests, with a large shared outdoor area where customers can also enjoy their drinks.

Restrooms are shared between all businesses within the facility, so there are no restroom management responsibilities for Tap Stand staff.

General Role & Responsibilities

The Tap Stand Manager is responsible for working alongside company management to ensure the successful operation and continued development of Kyoto Brewing's Tap Stand.

Your primary responsibility is to create an outstanding customer experience by delivering exceptional service, maintaining an inviting beer lineup and retail space, and ensuring that every customer leaves wanting to return.

Because of the Tap Stand's central Kyoto location, customers will come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many will be visitors from across Japan and overseas who may have little experience with craft beer. Helping these customers discover beer, introducing Kyoto Brewing, and providing friendly guidance are all important parts of the role.

Creating Customer Engagement

The area is also one of Kyoto's most popular destinations for local residents to enjoy food and drinks. Building a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where customers naturally interact with staff is an important part of developing a loyal community of regular guests.

Developing the Team

The Tap Stand Manager is responsible for ensuring that part-time staff develop the knowledge and confidence to provide excellent customer service, recommend beers based on customers' preferences, answer questions accurately, and represent Kyoto Brewing's values and brand with pride.

Continuous Improvement

The successful candidate is expected to proactively develop ideas that improve the customer experience, increase visitor numbers, and grow overall sales. Working together with company management, the Tap Stand Manager will help plan, implement, and evaluate these initiatives.

Leading from the Front

This is a hands-on management role. The Tap Stand Manager works alongside the rest of the team, providing excellent service while maintaining smooth daily operations, minimizing customer waiting times, and ensuring that the bar and customer areas remain clean, efficient, and welcoming throughout the day.

Inventory Management

The Tap Stand Manager is responsible for maintaining appropriate stock levels of beer, beverages, merchandise, CO₂, cups, cleaning supplies, and other operational items, ensuring that orders are placed before shortages occur.

Main Responsibilities

Tap Stand Operations

• Create and manage staff schedules while monitoring team availability
• Ensure the Tap Stand is fully prepared for opening each day and that staff are familiar with the beers and daily operations
• Open and close the register, while ensuring other staff correctly follow cash handling procedures
• Maintain attractive beer displays, menus, and the overall appearance of the Tap Stand
• Monitor beer and supply inventory levels and place orders as required
• Plan and manage an appealing and well-balanced draft beer lineup while effectively controlling inventory
• Maintain the cleanliness of the bar, customer areas, and back-of-house throughout the day
• Clean and maintain draft equipment to ensure every beer is served in the best possible condition
• Lead by example through excellent customer service, efficient operations, and positive customer engagement

Team Management

• Communicate important operational information clearly with all team members
• Ensure smooth handovers between shifts and operating days
• Help staff understand and deliver Kyoto Brewing's vision and customer experience standards
• Assist with interviewing and recruiting new staff members
• Plan, organize, and deliver training for both new and existing Tap Stand staff

The Tap Stand Manager is expected not only to oversee daily operations but also to foster a team culture that consistently delivers the welcoming hospitality and brand experience that defines Kyoto Brewing.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in the food and beverage industry
• A strong team player with experience working collaboratively toward shared goals
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work independently
• Strong communication skills with both team members and management
• The ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of attention to detail
• A positive and flexible attitude, even when faced with unexpected challenges or changing schedules
• Currently residing in Japan, or able to obtain the appropriate work visa in a timely manner

Preferred Experience

• Previous leadership or management experience in a bar, brewery, or restaurant environment is preferred, but not required

Language Skills

Japanese

• Native-level Japanese or Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 equivalent or above
• Confident spoken and written communication skills are required

English

• Preferred: Intermediate or above in both spoken and written English (approximately Eiken Grade 2 level)
• Minimum: Conversational English sufficient for everyday communication

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

This position involves a variety of physical tasks as part of the daily operation of the Tap Stand.

• Moving heavy items, including kegs weighing up to approximately 20kg and cases of canned beer
• Standing for extended periods throughout each shift
• Cleaning draft equipment using alkaline (caustic) cleaning chemicals while carefully following all safety procedures and proper handling practices

Employment Details & Benefits

• Expected Start Date: September – November 2026
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Period: Initial six-month probationary period, followed by permanent employment upon mutual agreement
• Monthly Salary: ¥270,000 – ¥320,000
  Salary is determined based on experience and includes up to 20 hours of fixed overtime.

Working Schedule

• Shift-based schedule (8-hour shifts)
• 12:30 – 21:30
• 14:00 – 23:00
• Overtime may be required depending on business needs

Time Off

• Two days off per week (typically between Monday and Thursday)
• Substitute leave for national holidays worked
• Paid annual leave (12+ days)
• Summer vacation (3 days)
• Year-end holiday (2–3 days)
• Sick leave (5 days per year)

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and social insurance
• Opportunity to work in a multicultural team environment
• Employee discounts on Kyoto Brewing beer and merchandise

How to Apply

Please send your resume, cover letter, and CV to recruit-retail@kyotobrewing.com.

Please be sure to include the following in your cover letter:

• Why you would like to work at Kyoto Brewing
• Why you believe you are the best fit for this position

Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview.

Selection Process:
Application Review → Interview(s) → Job Offer
*A second interview may be conducted if necessary.