Tasting Room Supervisor

The Tasting Room Supervisor at Red Tail Ridge knows that they are making contributions to the success of the winery as they grow in their knowledge of wine, entrepreneurship and management. They arrive to work by driving alongside beautifully maintained vines, past a pond and a wildflower field to the left. The sleek and modern Tasting Room is off to the right. As they walk to the front door, they pass the open-air Pavilion that provides guests with protection from weather, while still allowing them to enjoy the intimacy of the vineyard. In front of them is a stunning view of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Blaufränkisch vines in the forefront, the lake in the distance. Entering the Tasting Room, they see walls elegantly clad by wood reclaimed from the indigenous trees that were removed from the land when the vineyard was planted.

Ten steps in the door, they are focused on making the day ahead as successful for themselves, the Tasting Room Guides, guests, and the business as a whole. The Supervisor understands that the goals for the day include ensuring:

- The Tasting Room is looking beautiful and clean throughout operating hours in an efficient manner;

- The Tasting Room Guides have the tools and training they need to provide experiences that meet and exceed Red Tail Ridge Winery’s expectations;

- Inventory is maintained in a manner that ensures very high quality while also minimizing waste, mistakes, and theft; and

- Oversight for the Team keeps the functions of the business rolling forward while also keeping breaks and staffing levels on track in a respectful and professional manner.

They increasingly understand the Tasting Room is important to the business in:

1) Driving immediate sales of bottles of wine to the guests entering the door by:

a. Connecting guests with wines they are most likely to enjoy;

b. Creating an entertaining and educational experience for guests; and

c. Solidifying the reputation of Red Tail Ridge as a producer who is worthy of support.

2) Driving long-term stability of the business and the entire staff by:

a. Fostering repeat business in new guests;

b. Solidifying Red Tail Ridge as a must-visit winery to repeat guests; and

c. Encouraging guests who consistently purchase our wines to become Wine Club Members.

At the end of the day, the Supervisor ensures that the closing procedure is smooth and the floor is reset to ensure the success of the team the next day. As they walk out the door, they have learned lessons that will continue their personal success, while also working to make Red Tail Ridge a success. they are able to have pride in the product they are representing, the space they are working in, and the people they support and assist every single day.

Job Description

The Tasting Room Supervisor provides the General Manager with a pivotal supporting role. They are working toward mastering these core areas of responsibility:

1) Leadership & Staff Management

2) Fiscal Accountability – Budget & Inventory Management

3) Guest Services, Hospitality & Retail Sales

Once the competence level of the Supervisor has reached a level of excellence that warrants promotion, they will be offered a more senior level role at the winery. At Red Tail Ridge, we foster our team through mentorship and assisting in professional growth.

Red Tail Ridge provides an educational and comfortable tasting experience that takes guests through not just the flavor notes expressed in the wine, but also the technical and contextual importance of the wines we produce. We provide as much or as little information as the guest would like. We focus on solid business fundamentals, kindness and respect in interactions, and providing our colleagues and guests the best experience possible. In becoming a member of the Red Tail Ridge Team, you become an essential player in our success.

In order to provide this type of experience to our guests, the following are specific qualities that are essential for success as our Tasting Room Supervisor:

- Leadership/Supervision [lead by example, staff training, team building, guidance and performance management]

- Attention to Detail

- Follow Through

- Strong Accountability/Seeing Tasks to Completion (both personally and in oversight duties)

- Punctuality

- Professional Appearance and Demeanor

- Financial Acumen

- Desire to grow a small business

- Problem Solving

- Clear, Concise and Respectful Communication

- Translate Lessons into Action

- Calm & Focused

Financial Responsibilities

- Manage inventory of all the Tasting Spaces - wine, merchandise, food, shipping & hospitality supplies

- Weekly reporting on stock/inventories, finances, waste and staffing

- Daily cash management of the various winery Tasting Spaces

Managerial Responsibilities

- Daily oversight of the Tasting Room Guides to ensure that all tasks are accomplished in a complete and efficient manner.

- Ensure consistency and accuracy of product usage

- Train and oversee Tasting Room Guides in salesmanship, accuracy, hospitality/accountability and efficiency that meet or exceed the expectations set out by the General Manager and Ownership

- Manage the flow of the Tasting Room and other tasting spaces on a daily basis to ensure the maximum number of guests are provided with excellent tasting experiences in a timely fashion

- Schedule the Tasting Room Guides on a monthly basis in a timely manner; ensuring proper staffing levels based on daily/hourly guest numbers

- Ensure the Tasting Room Guides are well supported with tools, oversight and assistance when needed.

- Arrive at work ahead of scheduled time to ensure an efficient beginning to the shift

Knowledge Criteria

o Ability to work in Microsoft Excel is critical

o Excellent understanding of POS systems is critical

o Inventory Management and Maintenance is critical

o Leadership techniques that are positive while also ensuring accountability

o General Wine Knowledge is preferred

o Retail Experience is preferred

Winery History

Red Tail Ridge is one of the region’s most well-respected wineries. Owned and operated by Michael Schnelle (viticulturist) & Nancy Irelan (winemaker), a husband & wife partnership who moved to the Finger Lakes 20 years ago to plant the vineyard at this specific place on Seneca Lake. Nancy holds a PhD in Grape Genetics and prior to founding Red Tail Ridge was a Vice President at Gallo in California, heading up the Research and Development branch with research vineyards across the state. Michael holds an MBA and not only leads the vineyard management team, but also heads the financial side of Red Tail Ridge.

This winery is their life’s work. Nancy & Mike are as passionate about making beautiful wine as they are about how it is presented to guests in the Tasting Room. They are forward-thinking people, building Red Tail Ridge to be the one, and currently only, LEED-gold certified winery in New York State. The winery has been nominated for a James Beard Award multiple times & was a semi-finalist for the award twice. We are known for our Sparkling and Cool Climate Red wines, which include some varietals that are rare in the world and in our region. With Nancy’s talent in wine-making and Michael’s meticulous care of the vineyard, we provide unique, character-driven wines that are technical, precise, and innovative.

We look for people with a passion for great wine, care for guest experience, and the respectful team-oriented mindset to make Red Tail Ridge as great a place to work as it is to visit.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Shift:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $25