General Manager — Volta Wine + Market

Opening soon in downtown St. Petersburg, Volta Wine + Market is a fine wine shop, specialty food store, and wine bar. We're looking for a passionate food & wine professional to lead operations on a full-time basis.

The General Manager (GM) is a key leadership role reporting directly to the owners, responsible for daily operations and accountable for the overall guest experience. Volta is primarily a fine wine shop and specialty grocer, with an on-premise wine bar (approx. 20 seats) in the rear of the store. The GM will run a high-volume wine and food retail operation alongside the bar program. Qualified candidates should have a background in food/wine retail, fine dining operations, or both.

Candidates with WSET, CMS, SWE, or similar qualifications are highly encouraged to apply.

We're also hiring for hourly support positions. If your skills align generally, feel free to apply — we love meeting qualified food & wine professionals.

Compensation: $75,000–$80,000 annual salary, which includes up to $5,000 in annual bonus potential based on meeting or exceeding pre-established financial metrics. Paid time off, wine education reimbursement, and other benefits available after a standard probationary period.

Core Responsibilities:

Operations & Guest Experience
- Oversee day-to-day retail operations, including stocking shelves, receiving and checking in product deliveries, labeling, pricing, and maintaining an organized, well-presented shop floor
- Manage invoices, vendor relations, and ordering to keep inventory accurate and well-stocked across both the retail shop and wine bar
- Monitor margins and pricing across retail and bar offerings, adjusting as needed to hit financial targets
- Oversee guest-facing service across the shop and bar, including seating, service coordination, and resolving guest concerns
- Maintain quality and freshness standards for wine, food, and retail products, and ensure staff can speak knowledgeably to guests
- Establish and enforce operating policies, procedures, and productivity/service standards
- Maintain a safe, sanitary, and secure environment; ensure compliance with health, safety, and alcohol licensing regulations

Team Leadership & HR
- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, schedule, and coach staff (servers, hosts, bartenders, support staff), fostering a culture of accountability and excellence
- Set job expectations, conduct performance reviews, and manage compensation actions and disciplinary matters
- Optimize staff scheduling to meet business needs while controlling labor costs
Vendor & Financial Management
- Source and negotiate with suppliers; maintain preferred vendor lists and evaluate usage/cost reports
- Prepare and manage budgets; monitor expenses and financial controls; analyze variances and take corrective action
- Develop strategies to drive revenue growth, including promotions, events, loyalty programs, and marketing initiatives
Culture & Professional Standards
- Report to work on time, prepared, with a positive and professional attitude
- Maintain a polished, dress-code-compliant appearance reflecting the brand's elegance
- Contribute to and embody Volta's culture, vision, and core values
- Stay current on food & wine industry trends through ongoing professional development

Required Qualifications:
- Passion for fine food & wine, beer, sake, and specialty beverages — especially small family producers and organic products
- Strong working knowledge of worldwide wines, with the ability to communicate confidently with guests and staff
- Proven leadership and team management skills, with a track record of mentoring staff
- Ownership mentality — proactively identifies and pursues opportunities to add value
- Strong problem-solving skills and composure under pressure
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across guests, staff, and suppliers
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in hospitality
- Fluent in English (speaking, reading, writing)
- High attention to detail, speed, and accuracy

Physical Requirements (with or without accommodation)
- Ability to lift and transport up to 40 lbs repeatedly
- Ability to stand and remain active for 8–10 hour shifts
- Ability to tolerate hot, cold, and fluctuating temperatures
- Ability to hear, understand, and respond to requests in a loud environment

Along with your resume/CV, please include a brief cover letter describing your food & wine experience and other relevant information pertaining to the position.

This is an exempt, in-person, full-time position, not eligible for overtime. As an exempt employee, compensation is paid on a salary basis and is not reduced based on variations in the quantity or quality of work performed, consistent with applicable wage and hour laws. The position requires the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance, including purchasing and pricing decisions, vendor relationships, interpretation of company policy, recruiting and HR decisions, and other matters that materially affect business operations.

Volta Wine + Market is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment.