Tasting Room Manager

Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery
OntarioManagement & AdministrationPosted about 1 year ago

Location

9090 Widder Rd, Thedford N0M 2N0, Ontario

Job Type

Full Time

Job Overview

Objective:

To lead the day-to-day front-of-house operations of Shale Ridge’s Tasting Room with excellence in guest experience, team leadership, and inventory oversight. This role requires strong sales 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.

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

  • Send weekly communications via Slack to keep the team informed (especially during peak season).

  • 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 and order supplies (using platforms like Amazon and preferred vendors).

  • 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 Shopify and eventually Commerce7 to adjust inventory and manage digital tracking systems.

4. Menu, Product & Operational Support

  • Collaborate with ownership and 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 TouchBistro to maintain service and cleanliness standards.

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

 


 

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 Shopify, Commerce 7, Slack, and inventory software

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