General Manager and Wine Director

Help Us Bring Familiar Creature to Life – Hiring a General Manager for Our New Wine Bar in Saratoga Springs!

My business partner and I are opening a new wine bar this November in Saratoga Springs, and we're looking for someone special to bring this dream to life. After 8 years running a Hamlet & Ghost, a cocktail bar and farm to table restaurant we are building something new! Familiar Creature will be a 50-seat wine bar, inspired by some of our favorite spots in Montreal and Paris. We’re creating a space for people to explore wines from small producers—wines with finesse, charm, and real people behind them, not corporations.

We’ve worked with close friends to design a space that feels fresh and inviting. Our focus will be on sustainably made wines both classic and more adventurous, paired with a menu of charcuterie, cheeses, and thoughtfully crafted small plates. This will be our first expansion after eight successful years of running a cocktail bar and restaurant in upstate New York, where we’ve built an incredible team—many of whom have been with us for years.

Now, we’re looking for someone who can be the face of our wine program as General Manager. We want someone with a passion for wine who can make it exciting for both our guests and our staff. You’ll help us create a vibrant, energetic atmosphere, and be part of a team that hosts wine tastings, wine dinners, and wine-related classes.

This is a big role, but you won’t be doing it alone—you’ll have the full support of a talented female head chef, an experienced bar manager, and us as owners. We’re looking for someone who can grow with us as we continue to expand and who has a strong foundation in hospitality and wine.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead pre-opening efforts, including hiring, training staff, and setting up operational processes.
• Oversee all aspects of daily operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service once we open.
• Work closely with the Owner and local distributors to curate a diverse, exceptional wine list.
• Create and implement unique guest experiences that align with the ethos of Familiar Creature.
• Manage financial aspects such as budgeting, forecasting, and inventory control.
• Foster a welcoming and lively atmosphere, setting the tone for the guest experience.
• Engage with guests to build relationships and ensure a high level of satisfaction.

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of wine, with a preference for natural and small-batch producers.
• Proven experience in hospitality management, particularly in boutique or specialty bar settings.
• Experience with new venue openings is a plus.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to recruit, inspire, and manage a new team.
• Financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Passionate about creating memorable and personalized guest experiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, especially during the pre-opening phase.

Why Join Us?This is an incredible opportunity to help shape the identity of a new wine bar in Saratoga Springs. As General Manager, you’ll play a crucial role in building the culture and experiences at Familiar Creature, and you’ll be supported by a passionate, close-knit team. We’re looking for someone who shares our love of wine and community and is ready to help build something truly special.

If you’re excited about the idea of growing with us, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your wine knowledge, hospitality experience, and why you think you’re the perfect fit for Familiar Creature.

Let’s build something together.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 10 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Saratoga Springs, NY 12866: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000