Progressive, fine dining California steakhouse is looking for an experienced and creative Wine Director to join the team! Looking for this person to take over ownership of the wine program and maintain its excellence, while continuously looking at ways to evaluate current offerings and introduce a fresh perspective. This role will spearhead ordering, inventory, tastings, and hiring/training/education of staff, in addition to maintaining a strong presence on the floor during service. The ideal candidate is highly service minded, with a passion for interacting with guests maintaining a strong floor presence to emphasize wine sales and service standards. Extensive wine knowledge including characteristics, regions, varietals, etc. is required, and any prior sommelier experience and/or wine certification is very highly preferred. A collaborative leadership style, deep understanding of luxury service/hospitality, and a track record of creating/maintaining successful wine programs is essential! This is an amazing opportunity for a passionate, experienced wine professional to join a longstanding successful LA restaurant.
Wine Director Responsibilities:
- Uphold the integrity of the current wine program while continuously developing fresh, creative ways to elevate and enhance wine offerings
- Oversee the FOH and Sommelier teams and help manage the floor during service
- Creating a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere for guests around wine
- Deliver a strong floor presence with a focus on wine sales and service
- Oversee the flow of the business and remain present in all areas of the restaurant during service
- Completing weekly wine inventory and placing orders
- Ensure the team is well educated on the menu items and wine offerings
- Maintain, support and promote company culture and philosophies
- Ongoing development and training of wine members to ensure growth, knowledge, professionalism, and continuous improvement
- Contribute to controlling costs, maximizing efficiencies, and improving the wine P&L, identifying opportunity areas to course correct as needed
- Take initiative and help to build business and maintain the wine program
- Develop programs/methods to increase efficiency of wine program operations
- Hiring, training, scheduling, and continuous education of the Sommelier team
- Hold the team accountable to high standards while remaining hands on and leading by example
- Assess employee performance and providing helpful feedback and training opportunities
- Maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
- Understand and comply with CA labor laws
Wine Director Requirements:
- 5-7 years of progressive restaurant management experience within a full service upscale or fine dining establishment, with AT LEAST 2-3+ years in a wine and service-oriented role (i.e. Wine Director, Beverage Director, Master/Lead Sommelier, Wine Manager, or comparable wine management role)
- Extensive wine knowledge including characteristics, wineries, regions, varietals, food pairings and service is required
- Level one Court of Master Sommeliers or equivalent reputable certification program is HIGHLY preferred but not absolutely required
- Extreme attention to detail
- Ability to manage inventory while maximizing profitability
- Passion and dedication to consistently educate the team and guests on beverage offerings, pairings and tasting notes
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, coaching, and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
- Financially savvy with a strong understanding of wine COGS, finances, and inventory management
- Achieve or exceed wine cost expectations while maintaining quality, accuracy and timing standards
- Ability to thrive in a hands-on, high-touch service environment
- Creative and collaborative mindset
- Computer and software proficiency
- Commitment to creating a welcoming, memorable, and unique guest experience
- Ability to analyze processes and information, identify problems and trends, and develop effective solutions and strategies
- Active manager ServSafe Food Safety Certificate
- Open and flexible schedule as business dictates
Compensation Includes:
- Base Salary in the $90-95k range + Commission
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- PTO Plan
- 401k
- Company Dining Discounts