Wildly popular new Italian restaurant is seeking a world-class Wine & Beverage Manager to join their team. This role will be responsible for taking ownership of the strong opening wine program already in place, and maintaining its excellence while supporting other necessary activities across all beverage channels. The Wine & Beverage Manager will also spearhead ordering, inventory, tastings, and training/education of staff. This is a very robust wine & beverage program that will require a high level of organization. Experience with and strong knowledge of Italian wines is highly preferred. Great opportunity to be part of a very hip and bustling new concept!
Wine & Beverage Manager Responsibilities:
- Oversee and maintain the restaurant’s vision for the Wine and Beverage Programs
- Ensure the team is well educated on the menu items, wine offerings, and any changes to beverage programs
- Continual education and training of wine list
- Maintain a strong knowledge of all food and beverage offerings
- Creating a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere for guests around wine
- Train and develop staff to have a strong floor presence with a focus on wine sales and service
- Oversee the flow of the business and remain present in all areas of the restaurant during service as needed
- Completing weekly wine inventory, ordering, and curation
- Maintain, support and promote company culture and philosophies
- Contribute to controlling costs and maximizing efficiencies, identifying opportunity areas to course correct as needed
- Take initiative and help to build business and maintain the wine program
- Hold the team accountable to high standards while remaining hands on and leading by example
- Assess employee performance and providing helpful feedback and training opportunities
- Maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
- Understand and comply with CA labor laws
- Staying up to date with the world of wine changes, trends, etc.
Candidate Qualifications:
- 2+ years' experience as a Wine Director, Beverage Director, Master Sommelier, or comparable beverage/wine management role OR 5+ years’ experience as a Lead Sommelier, Wine Manager, or Beverage Manager in a full-service, fine-dining or upscale restaurant concept is required
- Experience and knowledge of Italian wine is highly preferred
- Michelin or James Beard recognized experience highly preferred
- Chef Driven restaurant experience preferred
- Extensive knowledge of wine & spirits; including characteristics, wineries, regions, varietals, food pairings and service
- Passionate, hands-on leader
- Ability to train and educate staff
- Creative and collaborative
- Knowledge of Food & Beverage service, spirits & cocktails, creating and developing, cost control, labor control, maintenance, merchandising & accounting
- Must have a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Passion and dedication to consistently educate the team and guests on beverage offerings, pairings and tasting notes
- Commitment to creating a welcoming, memorable, and unique guest experience
- Ability to manage inventory while maximizing profitability
- Excellent problem-solving skills and always puts the guest first
- Detail oriented - especially product quality and safety, sanitation, and cleanliness
- Ability to create strong relationships with guests and staff
- Highly organized and efficient
- Clear communicator and strong listener
- Understands and analyzes costs and inventory and course corrects as needed
- Maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
- Understand and comply with CA labor laws
Compensation Includes:
- Base Salary in the $85-90k range DOE + Wine Commissions
- 100% Medical Coverage
- Generous PTO Plan
- Cell Phone Allowance
- Parking
- Dining Discounts
