Tasting Room Manager-Hearst Ranch Winery San Simeon

Tasting Room Manager

Job Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Tasting Room Manager to oversee the daily operations of our tasting room. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the food and hospitality industry, with a passion for providing exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences for our guests. This role requires a blend of leadership, operational management, and a deep understanding of food safety and service standards.

The Tasting Room Manager is the driving force behind the brand, tasting room sales, and wine club sign-ups. This person must maintain a well-trained and educated team in a professional environment to help drive wine club sales and brand awareness. They will work closely with all levels of management and team to set goals and any additional needs that might arise within the team. There is a large event component with this role.

Essential Duties:

Managing of Tasting Room Team:

· Supervise staff to provide the highest level of customer service in a welcoming, fun, and educational atmosphere

· Hire, train, schedule, and manage staff to achieve results

· Develop and enforce tasting room protocol, education, and procedures to maintain a professional environment, and build a training program for all new and existing tasting room associates to focus on HRW’s hospitality and sales goals

· Ensure staff is professionally trained on the wines being poured and adhering to ABC rules and regulations, always

· Demonstrate strong leadership and set a positive example. Coach team members in all aspects of performance. Work on the sales floor with staff, develop and train staff to lead VIP tours, interface with top customers to set an example for staff to meet wine sales and club conversion targets.

· Hold and run staff meetings (with DTC Manager and Wine Club Manager) and administer sales associate reviews.

· Enforce the policies that are outlined in the HRW Handbook with the San Simeon and Paso Robles Team.

· Lead by example daily by showing up to work on time for scheduled days and taking breaks according to CA State Law.

· Provide leadership, motivation, and discipline to staff, supervising and coaching where necessary.

· Maintain a consistent presence in the Tasting Room, set a positive example for staff, and build rapport with wine club members and other customers.

· Train staff on the POS system for all orders so all pertinent information for customers and reporting is captured.

· Cross train all team members on opening, closing, and emergency procedures as well as applicable positions.

· Maintain a professional work environment by not allowing drinking during work hours or with guests.

· Create and monitor staffing schedules while keeping in mind busy times, event weekends, and vacation requests so the Tasting Room is properly staffed for success.

· Execute DTC sales strategies that focus on increasing Tasting Room net revenue, growing the wine club, the Proprietor’s Club, and increasing foot traffic.

Secondary Duties

· Responsible for ordering food items and some merchandise.

· Maintain correct inventories for food items and merchandise for tasting rooms.

· Make money deposits weekly at Pacific Premier Bank and work with accounting on any cash bank discrepancies.

· Track (daily, weekly, monthly) sales and number of visitors to make sales projections, goals, and strategies and report to DTC Manager.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Count physical inventory weekly and report back to Inventory Manager to maintain a good working inventory in San Simeon and other locations as needed.

· Work with Inventory Managers and Controller on any inventory discrepancies.

· Maintain a cash drawer and bank for the Tasting Room and ensure all Tasting Room employees are trained properly to count banks at the beginning and end of the day.

· Educate team members on when to stop serving or when not to serve patrons who visit the Tasting Room.

· Be confident in handling confrontation with guests or within the team.

Outreach

To support the Hospitality Program by increasing traffic and growing sales, the manager will need to design and engage in an effective, high-touch outreach program to raise the profile of HRW.

· Contacting, nurturing, and rewarding relationships with area-wide concierges, transportation companies, hotels, Cambria Chamber, San Simeon Chamber, key wine shops, breweries, etc.

· Targeting and developing new customers for visits and events.

· Developing and maintaining personal relationships with direct customers.

· Participating in industry events such as PRWCA and Cab Collective.

· Provide support for social media strategies.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a management role within the food industry or hospitality sector is required (minimum 2 years).
• 4 year college degree in relevant field
• Strong knowledge of food safety practices and regulations as well as RBS certified.
• Experience in fine dining service or bartending is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills with a focus on customer service.
• Ability to lead a team effectively while fostering a positive work environment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in planning events and managing operations.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events.

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated Tasting Room Manager who will contribute to our commitment to excellence in hospitality.

Job Type: Full-time

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

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Management: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• San Simeon, CA 93452 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• San Simeon, CA 93452: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000