Hospitality Operations Manager

Huff Estates Winery – Prince Edward County, Ontario

Overview

Huff Estates Winery is seeking a Hospitality Operations Manager to lead the daily operations of our tasting room, patio, and retail program. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, managing and developing staff, and driving direct-to-consumer wine sales while ensuring all guest-facing areas reflect the welcoming and professional standards of the Huff Estates brand.

This role functions as the operational lead for all guest-facing hospitality at the winery, including the tasting room, patio service, and retail sales programs.

This is a hands-on leadership position. During the peak tourism season, the Hospitality Operations Manager leads daily tasting room and patio operations. During the winter and shoulder seasons, the role shifts toward strategic planning, business development, and preparing the winery’s retail and hospitality programs for the upcoming season.

Key Responsibilities

Hospitality Operations & Guest Experience

• Lead daily operations of the tasting room, retail space, and outdoor patio.
• Oversee patio service including wine by-the-glass (BTG) sales, pizza program, and overall guest flow.
• Manage and support the Patio Supervisor, ensuring strong coordination between patio and tasting room service.
• Conduct tastings and support the team on the floor during busy service periods.
• Maintain a welcoming, organized, and well-merchandised environment across all guest-facing areas.
• Ensure tasting room, patio, and service spaces remain clean, efficient, and aligned with brand standards.
• Manage guest concerns professionally and ensure positive resolutions.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and develop tasting room and hospitality staff.
• Provide day-to-day leadership of all front-of-house hospitality operations, including tasting room, patio, and retail programs.
• Provide ongoing staff education on wines, tasting experiences, and winery offerings.
• Create staff schedules and ensure proper operational coverage during peak periods.
• Monitor staff performance and provide coaching, accountability, and regular feedback.
• Foster a positive team culture focused on hospitality, professionalism, and sales.

Sales & Retail Performance

• Drive retail wine sales and help achieve direct-to-consumer revenue targets.
• Support wine club growth and repeat guest visitation.
• Assist in developing retail promotions, seasonal bundles, and tasting experiences.
• Monitor sales performance and identify opportunities to improve retail results.

Operations & Inventory

• Oversee inventory management for wine and retail products.
• Maintain familiarity with POS systems, reporting tools, and daily operational procedures.
• Ensure accurate merchandising, stock levels, and prevention of product loss or breakage.

Seasonal Planning & Business Development

Prince Edward County is a highly seasonal tourism market. During the winter and shoulder seasons, the Hospitality Operations Manager supports the long-term growth of the winery’s retail and direct-to-consumer business.

Off-season initiatives may include:

• Developing corporate and group sales opportunities, including outreach to corporate clients and tour operators.
• Building relationships with local tourism organizations, including BIAs, the Chamber of Commerce, and DMOs.
• Participating in regional tourism initiatives and community partnerships.
• Leading planning for the upcoming season, including tasting room programming and retail initiatives.
• Collaborating on marketing strategy, social media planning, and promotional campaigns.
• Developing seasonal events, retail bundles, and guest experiences collaborations with the Inn.
• Reviewing sales data and guest feedback to identify opportunities for operational improvements and revenue growth.

Success in this role will be measured through growth in direct-to-consumer wine sales, guest satisfaction, and development of a strong hospitality team.