Director of Taproom Operations - Iowa City

****This position is based preferably out of Iowa City, IA- however we are open to hiring someone who lives in a market where we have a taproom. Currently that is Iowa City area, Des Moines, Omaha and Kansas City.****

Summary/Objective

Big Grove Brewery is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Taproom Operations with a passion for crafting amazing experiences through food, customer service and beer. This role seeks to lead and elevate the operations of multiple brewery taprooms by driving profitability, optimizing service standards, and fostering a culture of excellence. Must be committed to team development, maintaining amazing spaces, quality, innovation, and operational efficiency to maximize all facets of the business.

Core Values

Big Grove only hires and retains people who exhibit our core values. Our Core Values are:

• Set the Tone

• Thirst for Improvement
• We Care
• Practice Candor

• Passion Driven

You will be given a culture deck explaining these core values. The goal of our culture deck is to show you who we are as a company, and then you can decide if you personally align with us and are excited to begin a career here.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Accountable for all aspects of performance of location taprooms.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans in line with company goals to ensure the overall success and growth of the taproom locations.
• Accountable for Financial Performance of location units: Must have a strong understanding of budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control measures to optimize profitability across all units. Analyze financial reports and performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to optimize revenue and reduce expenses. Monitor and control expenses.
• Accountable for the guest experience: Establish and maintain high standards for guest experience, cleanliness, and maintenance across all units. Monitor guest feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance the guest experience. Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with brand standards. Teach others how to create amazing experiences.
• Operational Oversight: Provide leadership and direction to Store Directors and location level leadership teams. Ensure adherence to company operational standards, training standards, policies, core process and values across all locations. Project manage any location wide system or process implementation. Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• New Store Openings and Location Support: Direct oversight on new taproom locations for the first 90 days. Fill Store Director duties if on a leave (vacation, parental, etc.)
• Communication: Set expectations and give clear direction to your team through effective communication. Set them up for success. Foster a culture of open communication and collaboration among team members, departments and locations.
• Participate in Executive Leadership meetings: Discuss issues effectively and with care, and provide experience, insights and ideas to help Big Grove constantly improve. Complete all tasks assigned from those meetings timely.
• People management: Use our people and performance tools to effectively communicate, manage, check in, support and follow through with the team. LMA to full Store Director team. Ensure that Store Directors recruit, hire, train and retain high quality employees and management.
• Leader development: Resource for Store Directors. Responsible for developing, growing and refining leaders through continuous training, coaching and mentorship. Coach and assist Store Directors in times of tough personnel situations.
• Technology: Efficient use and knowledge of hospitality POS, HRIS and other technological tools to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
• Risk Management: Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and licensing requirements across all units. Implement risk management policies and procedures to mitigate operational, financial, and legal risks. Address any safety or security concerns promptly and effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and revenue enhancement initiatives. Stay on top of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in hospitality management.

Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management

  • Strong ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams across multiple locations.
  • Experience in hiring, training, and retaining high-performing staff.
  • Conflict resolution and the ability to handle employee or customer issues effectively.

• Multi-Unit Operations Management

  • Proven ability to oversee multiple taproom or restaurant locations, ensuring consistency in operations, customer experience, and profitability.
  • Skilled in implementing SOPs and maintaining quality and standards across all sites.
  • Strong understanding of compliance, licensing, and health & safety regulations for serving alcohol.

• Financial & Business Acumen

  • Budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management to drive revenue and profitability.
  • Cost control strategies, including inventory management, labor costs, and waste reduction.
  • Ability to analyze data and KPIs to optimize operations.

• Customer Experience & Brand Management

  • Ability to create a consistent and amazon guest experience across all locations.
  • Understanding of customer preferences, menu development, and special events.
  • Brand ambassador mindset, ensuring each taproom aligns with the company’s values and brand.

• Marketing & Community Engagement

  • Knowledge of local marketing strategies, social media engagement, and event planning.
  • Ability to build partnerships with local businesses, breweries, and community organizations.
  • Experience launching promotions, beer releases, and customer loyalty programs.

• Problem-Solving & Adaptability

  • Ability to troubleshoot staffing shortages, supply chain issues, or unexpected operational challenges.
  • Comfortable making quick, data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Flexibility to adapt to market trends, seasonal shifts, and evolving customer expectations.

• Technical & Industry Knowledge

  • Understanding of draft systems, beer production, and bar operations.
  • Familiarity with POS systems, scheduling software, and financial reporting tools.

  • Knowledge of beer styles, food pairings, and proper service techniques.

Be a high performing Big Grove team member with ability to look at business as a whole, communicate with all people, collaborate with all departments, work to solve organizational problems, and accomplish goals. Contribute to and exemplify BGB values, vision, standards, and culture.

Supervisory Responsibility

LMA (Lead, Manage, Accountable) to Store Directors.

Work Environment

• Taproom Locations: Regular visits to multiple locations to oversee operations, ensure consistency, and engage with staff and customers.

• Office/Remote Work: Administrative and strategic planning, data analysis, inventory management, and financial oversight can often be handled from an office or remotely.

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking

  • Extended periods of standing and walking while overseeing taproom operations, conducting inspections, and interacting with staff and customers.
  • Frequent movement between different areas of the taproom, including bar, kitchen, storage, and outdoor seating areas.

• Lifting & Carrying

  • Lifting and moving kegs (which can weigh up to 160 lbs when full) may occasionally be required.
  • Carrying cases of beer, CO2 tanks, or bar supplies (25–50 lbs) during inventory checks or restocking.

• Repetitive Movements

  • Bending, crouching, or reaching when handling inventory, checking equipment, or assisting staff.
  • Using POS systems, writing reports, and handling paperwork or digital tools.

• Travel

  • Driving or commuting frequently between multiple taproom locations.

• High-Energy Environment

  • Fast-paced shifts with constant movement, multitasking, and problem-solving.
  • Navigating busy taprooms, handling customer interactions, and responding quickly to operational needs.

• Exposure to Various Conditions

  • Working in hot or cold environments (outdoor seating areas, walk-in coolers, or kitchens).

  • Exposure to noise, crowds, and possibly strong smells from brewing operations.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position and hours of work/ days may vary from week to week. Hours expected to be worked are between 45-50 per week. Weeks with travel and store openings will likely exceed 50 hours per week. The business is open 7 days a week and will have day, evening and weekend hours as a requirement.

Travel

Travel is required in this position. Must have valid drivers license and insurance.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Must have 8 years of proven success in a high volume, multi-unit restaurant/hospitality environment

• Strong ability to analyze data, diagnose issues and coach the team accordingly
• Excellent people management skills, including resolving conflict, coaching and developing, promoting teamwork, and performance management
• Proven track record in leading operations to meet sales and profitability objectives
• Willingness to learn and accommodate industry changes and company directives
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills

• Flexibility to travel 30-50% of the time.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.