Bien Nacido Estate is seeking an experienced, results driven professional to lead the Estate Tasting Room in Santa Maria, California. This is a unique career opportunity to join an iconic, fast-paced family wine estate and play a key role in shaping the guest experience. We are looking for a hard-working individual with strong knowledge of the wine and/or hospitality industry and a solid understanding of tasting room operations. Our ideal candidate brings proven tasting room management experience, a successful background in business leadership, or similar experience.
The right candidate embodies enthusiasm, professionalism, and warmth, with a genuine desire to educate, engage, and create memorable experiences for every guest. Candidates must demonstrate effective leadership skills, including the ability to multi-task in a dynamic environment while overseeing daily operations, inspiring and managing staff, and leading training and scheduling efforts. Experience with marketing, PR, event planning, and community outreach is highly valued. A strong sales background and wine knowledge are important components of success in this role.

GOALS:
•  Develop and successfully manage tasting room sales, wine clubs and front-of-house operations.
•  Develop community awareness and build relationships within the local business community both inside and outside the wine market.
•  Execute the business and marketing plan that produces an increase in year-over-year sales.
•  Develop effective tasting room operations, sales techniques, and training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - The job description reflects management's assignments of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

•  Monitor and report to leadership daily sales goals, visitor volume and revenues through budget and achieve monthly and annual tasting room sales and revenue goals.
•  Develop and oversee customer service procedures, opening and closing procedures, point of sales system, safety, and housekeeping. Ensure standard operating procedures are established and maintained.
•  Build on existing partnerships and cultivate new ones by developing referral and cross-promotional programs with local businesses—including tour operators, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, and event planners.
•  Strengthen community relationships and drive visitation and sales by developing on-site programs and events that elevate the winery and its brand. Collaborate on advertising initiatives, promotional materials, email campaigns, and the distribution of marketing assets throughout the community.
•  Prepare and maintain detailed annual business plan and monthly cash flow reports and projections.
•  Train employees, employee scheduling, assigning/directing work, appraising performance, rewarding, and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving conflicts. Provide staff support for winery special events as needed.
•  Train staff on appropriate sales techniques, current wine club promotions, sales techniques, and club expectations.
•  Manage inventory
•  Provide leadership, direction, and information to staff to foster a productive, efficient, and positive work environment. Model the behavior that is expected from tasting room staff.
•  Ensure tasting room and inventory areas are clean, neat, and stocked; ensure that displays of wine and non-wine products in tasting room are attractive and maintained.
•  Ensure all necessary supplies for tasting room operation are sourced and purchased.
•  Maintain strong communication with senior management team related to the tasting room goals and objectives.
•  Run quarterly wine club shipments as needed with oversight from DTC Operations Manager.

SUPERVISORY SKILLS/ABILITIES:
•  Proven supervisory ability and demonstrated experience managing a direct to consumer, front-of-house wine retail operation.
•  A strong sales acumen and a commitment to providing the highest standards of customer service.
•  Ability to assess and solve practical day-to-day operational challenges.

•  Excellent leadership, customer service & selling skills with the ability to train others, monitor their performance and provide constructive feedback.
•  Able to delegate to others to get results.
•  Able to adjust plan(s) without hesitation.

COMPUTER AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT SKILLS
•  Proficient in the use of personal computers, multi-line phone systems, calculators, photocopiers, cash registers, and POS software.
•  Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
•  Experience with Commerce7 and Wine Direct is a plus.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
•  Associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
•  Able to lift and carry at least 35 lbs.
•  Able to stand for extended periods of time.
•  Must be 21 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
•  Availability to work flexible hours including weekends & holidays.

HOURS and FLEXABILITY:
Available seven days a week.
Minimum 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week
Position is located ON Site at Bien Nacido Estate.

SALARY:
Salary:
$70,000 - $75,000 depending on experience and qualifications

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
•  Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options
•  Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match
•  Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
•  Employee Discounts: Exclusive access to company products

PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Gatehouse at Bien Nacido
3503 Rancho Tepesquet Road
Santa Maria, CA 93454