General Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Management & Administration)
Full Time
Okanagan Falls,
British Columbia
Liquidity, a multi-faceted boutique winery nestled in the heart of Okanagan Falls, is searching for a General Manager to handle day-to-day business operations. Liquidity has rapidly become an acclaimed destination in the Okanagan Valley, producing premium wines and featuring art and an outstanding bistro in a visually stunning setting.
With construction completed and Liquidity now fully launched to the public, we are seeking a talented individual to build on what has been created and help Liquidity continue to grow. The General Manager oversees functional operations, including vineyard, winery, tasting room, facilities and grounds. Responsibilities of this position are categorized as follows:
Planning
- Work with President and Executive Committee to develop and implement long-term business strategy, objectives and milestones.
- Create comprehensive Annual Operation Plan, obtain Shareholder approval, and execute plans.
- Develop detailed multi-year production plans that meet quality and sales objectives.
- Assist President as required with strategic and marketing initiatives.
Operations
- Facilitate alignment and clear communication between all functional groups to meet objectives.
- Ensure quality, cost and production targets are achieved for vineyard and winery operations.
- Oversee all sales channels (tasting room, direct-to-licensee, and agency sales) and manage pricing, allocations, sales tax reporting, and SKU registration as required.
- Partner with Bistro Operator for seamless operations and a world-class customer experience.
- Set up and manage logistics and inventory management (warehousing and distribution) to be cost effective yet meet service level requirements and allow for future growth.
- Monitor and manage all financial aspects of the business; financing, banking, budgeting, cost management, revenue recognition, cost/benefit analysis, and cash flow.
- Accountable for Human Resources; creation of general staffing plan, recruitment and management of key staff, compensation structures and performance management.
- Manage outsourced professional services, including legal, bookkeeping, accounting and IT.
- Review and manage contracts with suppliers and service providers.
- Develop and implement business processes to continually improve service and efficiency.
- Ensure that safe, sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices are in place.
- Monitor Social Media provider to ensure public interaction is appropriate, relevant and timely.
- Assist President with managing future construction projects, on-site or off-site.
Regulatory and Reporting
- Track performance vs plan, identify causes of change, and develop and implement trade-offs.
- Compile and submit monthly sales and inventory reporting required by LDB and Excise Canada.
- Keep Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) licenses current and ensure compliance.
- Ensure all necessary permits and licenses are in place and up-to-date (Interior Health, Small Water System, CRA).
- Maintain compliance with requirements of BC Corporations Act.
- Report out to President and Shareholders via requested format and frequency.
The ideal candidate for Liquidity’s General Manager position will have a strong working knowledge of both the wine industry and all aspects of business operations. Given the broad range of responsibilities, an ability to prioritize, multi-task, and wear several hats simultaneously is a must.
Qualifications
- 5-10 years business management experience.
- 2+ years in the Wine Industry.
- Experience in leading and managing several direct reports.
- Proven performance results.
- Intermediate WSET award or Level 2 ISG certificate preferred.
Skill Sets
- Committed, organized, detail-oriented, and practical.
- A passion for quality, safety, and getting results the right way.
- Able to troubleshoot, problem solve, and create strong action plans.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex and changing environment.
- General IT skills and proficiency in major Microsoft Office desktop applications.