Front of House Operations Manager for Tasting Room- Blind Fox Vineyard, Erwinna, PA 18920
BODY:
Blind Fox Vineyard is a 72-Acre Family Estate Dedicated to Local Agriculture, Community, and Fine Wine.
•  This property was formally known as Sandcastle Winery and is being rebranded to reopen early fall 2025. Opening experience is a plus.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Tasting Room Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing effective and profitable tasting room operations, while achieving budget, sales, and customer satisfaction goals, as well as meeting staffing needs.
This position also manages wine club membership while developing and implementing strategies to attract new members and retain current ones. It requires a proven dedication to leadership, hospitality, teamwork, and successful event execution. The ideal candidate will be able to perform effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment, adapting easily to new responsibilities. A strong passion for wine, excellent service, and guest engagement are crucial for success. Due to the business nature of this role, it requires availability on most weekends and holidays.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES (Including, but not limited to):
•  Reports directly to executive leadership
•  Takes ownership of the departmental operations, completing or delegating tasks in a timely fashion
•  Responsible for supervising, training, scheduling, hiring, motivating, disciplining, and appraising staff, as well as organizing employees, assigning staff workloads and projects, and processing payroll
•  Fosters a positive work environment and cultivates a passion for the product and brand
•  Leads wine education, assisting the winemaking team with tasting panels, spec sheets, harvest and new release information, and staff training
•  Develops, improves, and enforces SOPs and house policies as they relate to tasting room operations, open/close procedures, inventory management, and wine shipping programs
•  Manages wine club, including shipments, events, communications, promotions, and membership growth
•  Maximizes profitability by setting and meeting sales targets
•  Responsible for overseeing onsite event planning and execution
•  Maintains an accurate and up-to-date inventory of wine, merch, and other retail items
•  Coordinates off-site and on-site events for guests and wine club members
•  Works closely with the business office, marketing, production, facility operations, and other departments
•  Ensures the building, property, and safe lock box are always secure, including confidential information
•  Oversees execution of bank deposits and change orders
•  Performs other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned
EXPECTATIONS:
•  Attend weekly management meetings pertaining to ongoing projects and events
•  Provides excellent customer service, ensuring all customer grievances are addressed and resolved
•  Maintains a professional image both physically and verbally when representing the Winery
•  Maintains the appearance of the retail spaces and customer areas, indoors and outdoors
•  Ability to remain calm in high-pressure, high-volume, and fast-paced situations
•  Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to assess and resolve issues that may arise in a timely manner
•  Must adhere to all company policies, house policies, PLCB regulations, OSHA, and CDC guidelines
•  Ability to work weekends, holidays, and some extended hours as needed
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
•  Must have at least 3+ years of professional experience in Restaurant Management, Bar Management, Retail Management, or similar experience
•  Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Business, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Restaurant Management, or comparable work experience
•  Customer Service experience is required
•  Must have strong business acumen with a proven record of using metrics and analysis to achieve results
•  Must have adequate computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Apple computers is a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•  Considerable physical activity.
•  May require handling of objects that can weigh up to 50lbs; must be able to lift and carry 40lbs
•  Must be able and willing to stand and walk for long periods of time outside in all weather conditions
•  Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises, and exposure to all types of weather