Trail Estate is a boutique No-/Low-Intervention Winery in Prince Edward County, Ontario. We are fiercely independent in thought and process. Our portfolio is dynamic — nouveau, skin contact, carbonic, unfiltered and also with killer Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. All our ferments are wild. All our wines are unfiltered. We take pride in our wines and how they are produced. Candidates should have a solid understanding of wine and in particular, natural and low-intervention wines.
We are a small team looking for those who have a hands-on "do whatever needs doing” attitude as the business grows. Though your primary focus and responsibility will be Retail, you will be expected to pitch in in all aspects including Vineyard and Cellar depending on seasonal requirements, so this position is geared to those wanting all-round experience. We try to keep hours sane as much as possible (to keep us sane) — just know there is no set schedule, and flexibility is required.
RETAIL MANAGER
This position encompasses all aspects of wine sales and hospitality but with a focus primarily on wine (we do not often host events or have a restaurant — our focus is wine 100%). You will ensure consistent sales delivery, operational standards and team development. You should be an expert multi-tasker with a keen eye to detail, with the ability to independently resolve any issues as they arise.
Accountabilities — Retail
• The Retail Manager will oversee all aspects of the Retail and client-focussed environment, sharing their love of wine and facilitating discussion where required. We have many repeat and loyal customers and you know how to make them feel welcome and foster lasting relationships.
• Ability to guide and recommend wines. Your knowledge of wine regions, grape type and each wines technical details inspires confidence, while you continually develop product knowledge.
• You are aware of and atop of current trends in viticulture, wine and hospitality; be an advocate for us, the industry and our community
• Be knowledgable of, and foster collaboration between neighbour wineries and wider hospitality sector in PEC
• Lead and inspire others by example
• Ability to monitor sales trends w/w and y/y, report and act on insights; provide weekly reports
• Responsible for all day-to-day aspects including opening, cash/POS reconciliation and closing checklists are completed accurately
• Implementing improved processes including timesheets, scheduling, reporting
• Responsible for physical retail environment, safety, cleanliness, and presentation; taking pride in the environment, you will provide a minimalist, welcoming, yet sales-targeted presentation
• Ability to train and mentor staff, developing protocols when/as required, and providing constructive feedback
• Fulfill online and wine club shipments as required
Accountabilities — CRM
• You will be interested in building lasting, meaningful relationships with a CRM-Meets-Low-Fi-Wine mindset (we are a farm; not a country club).
• Ability to grow wine club membership
• Organize and/or assist in wine club events and special group tastings
• Ability to gather customer data across databases and assist in campaigns
• Assist in social media and blog posts, email campaigns, seasonal campaigns.
Accountabilities — Operations
• Depending on the season, assist in vineyard or in cellar (i.e. harvest, bottling, etc)
• Ensure proper stock on inventory and consumables is maintained
Requirements
• 1-3 years previous hospitality experience; wine sector preferred
• Impeccable taste in win
• Exceptional written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Solid wine knowledge in particular, natural or low-intervention wines
• Farm experience an asset
• SmartServe Certification required, First Aid an asset
• Adhere and comply with all company policies
• Excellent POS, computer and google doc, etc., abilities
• Have proven leadership skills with the ability to train and motivate others to a superior level
• Strong work ethic, great team player, high level of accuracy, honesty and integrity
• Reliability; punctuality
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to lift 45lbs
• Ability to work indoors or out in various weather conditions including heat and cold
• Must be available weekends/holidays, especially in peak summer season
Schedule