Assistant General Manager

Shale Ridge Estate Winery and Cidery

Location

Thedford, Ontario

Salary

$50,000 +

Job Type

Full Time

Job Overview

Objective:

To lead the day-to-day front-of-house and back-of-house operations of Shale Ridge’s Tasting Room with excellence in guest experience, team leadership, and inventory oversight. This role requires strong sales and skills, a passion for hospitality, and preferably industry experience in wine, cider, or premium food and beverage environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Team Management

  • Serve as the primary leader in the Tasting Room, supporting the General Manager and stepping in during their absence.

  • Lead front-line staff by setting a strong example in professionalism, salesmanship, and service standards.

  • Handle real-time guest concerns, ensuring any issues are resolved with care and efficiency.

  • HR: Support hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training of staff.

  • Team communications via Slack to keep the team informed and scheduling team members.
      
  • Encourage a positive, high-performing team culture through coaching, recognition, and accountability.

2. Sales Focus & Guest Experience

  • Promote and drive retail, wine/cider club signups, and upsells by coaching staff and leading by example.

  • Track and analyze key sales performance indicators and support the team in reaching set targets.

  • Work collaboratively to implement sales campaigns or specials and ensure the team is aligned.

  • Provide staff with tools, scripts, and incentives to maximize guest spend and satisfaction.

3. Inventory & Vendor Management

  • Manage and optimize vendor relationships by ordering  supplies and arranging vendor payments.
  • Maintain accurate and organized inventory systems for food, beverage, cleaning, and retail supplies.

  • Oversee cost of goods sold (COGS) reporting and work closely with leadership to ensure profitability.

  • Monitor ingredient and product quality; log and follow up on any discrepancies.

  • Use Commerce7 to adjust inventory and manage digital tracking systems.

4. Menu, Product & Operational Support

  • Collaborate with GM on menu updates and product selection.

  • Source specialty items as needed for seasonal launches or limited offerings.

  • Monitor service flow and ensure the tasting room and kitchen operate smoothly during high-volume times.

  • Lead the team in using Jolt checklists and Commerce 7 to maintain service and cleanliness standards.

  • Maintain accurate digital menus, staff profiles, and table configurations in Commerce7

Requirements

Qualifications

  • 2+ years in a hospitality or tasting room leadership role (wine/cider industry preferred)

  • Strong sales acumen and comfort setting and reaching revenue goals

  • Excellent communication and leadership skills

  • Organized, solution-oriented, and calm under pressure

  • Tech-savvy with experience using platforms like Click-Up, Commerce7, Slack, and inventory software

Compensation

Compensation

  • Base Salary:  – $50,000 annually (depending on experience and qualifications)

  • Commission Structure: Based on monthly retail and club membership performance

  • KPI Bonus Opportunities: For meeting or exceeding targets related to sales, team development, and operational efficiency

  • Perks: Health Benefits, tips, wine and cider perks, staff discounts, team events, and potential for career advancement

Why Post A Job With Us?

  • #1 JOB SITE - We are the #1 recruitment site for the wine industry in Canada.
  • QUALITY APPLICANTS - Many applicants have our WSET training and experience in the wine industry.
  • IT'S RUN - by an independent industry professional and Master of Wine, James Cluer.
  • IT'S FAST - It only takes a few minutes to post your job.
  • PRICE - It's $149.00 CAD to post a job and it stays up for 6-months or until you mark the position as "filled".