Position Overview:
As Chehalem brand continues to grow and evolve, the role of the Hospitality Manager has never been more crucial. The Hospitality Manager role will drive revenue growth, hire, train, develop and mentor a high-performing team, and align Tasting Room operations with the company's broader goals. This individual is a situational aware leader, strives in a fast-paced environment, is flexible, and has experience working for a highly dynamic and quickly growing business. The manager will play a key role in elevating the brand, maintaining strong relationships with customers, building brand awareness in the community and ensure a consistent and exceptional guest experience for all visitors. This position reports directly to the Director of Tasting Rooms.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Staff Development:
o Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Tasting Room team to deliver outstanding service and achieve organizational goals.
o Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback to the team to ensure accountability and growth.
o Lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, high standards of customer service, and fostering an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration.
o Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and continuous training of Tasting Room staff, ensuring employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
o Drive a culture of empowerment, motivating staff to exceed expectations and take ownership of their roles in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
o Ensure employees are trained on company policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance, and foster a safe and healthy work environment.

Collaboration & Communication:
o Act as a key point of contact for other departments, including events, marketing, compliance, and operations, to ensure seamless coordination and execution of Tasting Room activities.
o Collaborate with leadership on winery-wide issues, events, and promotional strategies to ensure alignment across the organization.
o Provide regular updates to senior management regarding the Tasting Room’s performance, team progress, and any challenges that need to be addressed.

Operations Management:
o Oversee all operational aspects of the Tasting Room, ensuring smooth day-to-day functions while maintaining a focus on guest experience, efficiency, and profitability.
o Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize sales and customer engagement, aligning with company goals and brand messaging.
o Ensure that the Tasting Room is well-stocked, clean, and organized, and that resources are utilized efficiently to minimize waste and maintain cost-effective operations.
o Oversee cash handling procedures, including reconciliations, bank deposits, and change orders.
o Manage inventory control, including ordering wines and non-wine merchandise, ensuring stock levels are sufficient to meet guest demand.

Guest Experience & Sales:
o Strategize and lead initiatives to drive sales, including wine club memberships, direct-to-consumer sales, and event-based promotions.
o Foster relationships with guests, ensuring their needs are met, and exceeding expectations at every opportunity.
o Oversee and elevate the guest experience by coordinating tastings, private events, and group tours, ensuring that the Tasting Room consistently delivers memorable and personalized experiences.
o Provide leadership during VIP and private tastings, ensuring top-tier service for high-value customers.
o Implement marketing and promotional campaigns in collaboration with the marketing team to maximize visibility and attendance at the Tasting Room.

Strategic Planning & Budgeting:
o Collaborate with senior leadership to develop long-term strategies for the Tasting Room’s growth, including staff development, guest experience enhancements, and revenue-generating initiatives.
o Work with leadership to prepare and manage the Tasting Room budget, ensuring effective cost control and adherence to financial goals.
o Regularly evaluate the Tasting Room's performance, identify areas for improvement, and develop and implement strategies for continuous growth.
o Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and other relevant metrics to track sales performance and operational efficiency.

Compliance & Risk Management:
o Ensure compliance with all state and federal alcohol laws, health regulations, and company policies.
o Collaborate with the Compliance Department to stay current on shipping laws, state permits, and other industry regulations.
o Maintain safety standards and resolve any safety concerns or issues in a timely manner, ensuring a safe and compliant working environment for all staff and guests.


Qualifications:

Experience:
o 5+ years of experience in a leadership role within a Tasting Room or similar hospitality environment, with a proven track record of driving sales, managing teams, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
o Extensive experience in managing operations, budgeting, and developing strategies for growth.
o Strong understanding of wine and winemaking processes, with a passion for wine and the hospitality industry.

Skills:
o Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills with a focus on developing talent and fostering a positive work culture.
o Proven ability to manage and optimize day-to-day operations, drive sales, and manage resources effectively.
o Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
o Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
o Proficiency in POS systems, Microsoft Office, and industry-related software.

Education & Certification:
o Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business management, or a related field preferred.
o WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) or similar wine certifications highly desired.