Senior Manager, Hospitality - Ram's Gate Winery

Perched upon the rolling hills that define the landscape of the Carneros AVA, Ram’s Gate welcomes visitors as they enter Sonoma’s Wine Country. The vision of owner Jeff O'Neill, Ram’s Gate Winery brings a new perspective on refined elegance through thoughtful farming, transparent winemaking, genuine hospitality, and sublime culinary experiences. The cornerstone of the O'Neill family portfolio, Ram's Gate is dedicated to creating compelling and uncompromising wines sourced from vineyards that encompass the spirit of Sonoma County. Its connection to the land is reflected in the breathtaking tasting room that overlooks the estate vineyard, made up of 28 acres of organically farmed vines.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Manager, Hospitality leads all aspects of the Tasting Room operations, leading and developing the hospitality team and fostering an environment that drives the business through extraordinary experiences that transcend expectation. This role champions high standards of service and hospitality, creates and implements innovative and effective Guest experiences, and is responsible for the ongoing training and development of the hospitality team. 

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, guest-focused, and team-oriented environment. They have a service heart and keen business acumen, and build authentic connections through professionalism and warmth. They motivate and inspire through connection and understanding, and know that taking care of people first - team, guests, members, and the community - is the foundation for exponential growth.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Manage all Tasting Hall business unit aspects, including conversion and sales goals, promotions, guest service, team management, inventory accuracy, and profitability.
• Ensure that the Wine Educators are achieving monthly goals; monitor and communicate progress, including conversion rates, AOV, sales revenue, labor ratios, traffic, and data collection to the leadership team regularly.
• Lead an Events and Experience program that communicates Ram’s Gate’s stories, wines, and values to drive relationships and growth. 
• Execute extraordinary guest programs that are well-organized, within budget, and consistent with brand guidelines.
• Grow and lead a dynamic team of Wine Educators and support staff. Conduct hiring interviews, mentor, train, and conduct in-the-moment coaching to develop staff further and meet goals.
• Facilitate and lead daily lineup to set the team's tone, pace, and expectations.
• Oversee educational, onboarding, and development opportunities for staff to ensure their wine, sales, sustainability, and industry knowledge is current and evolving; ensure the team conducts themselves as brand and sustainability ambassadors, demonstrating positive characteristics of exceptional guest service and focused sales behavior.
• Manage labor costs, pour costs, and inventory control within budget; ensure PTO requests are filled out and promptly submitted.
• Serves as a positive change agent with an innovation mindset, championing new initiatives and bringing forth fresh ideas to drive growth and elevation through the lens of hospitality. 
• Works collaboratively, fostering solution-oriented, positive, and open communication 
• Agile and forward-thinking, working through humble leadership and the assumption of positive intent. 
• Identify and implement sustainable practices within the team/department to align with the company’s environmental goals. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• 5+ years of experience in hospitality management
• Familiarity with budget & P&L management, restaurant management, and event management
• WSET, Sommelier, or other wine certification preferred
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Proven track record of organization and time management with attention to detail. 
• Must be at least 21 years old. 

CULTURAL BEHAVIORS

O’Neill team members are Forward Thinkers. Hard Working without Drama. Friendly Problem Solvers who work as One Team to Always Deliver.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following: 

• Sit or stand for prolonged periods.
• Bend or reach as necessary.
• Perform some repetitive motion activities.
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Lift, move, and stack boxes up to 60 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work may occur indoors or outdoors.
• Temperatures are typically moderate but may fluctuate with seasonal temperature changes.
• Noise level is generally low to medium.

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) with a company match, Paid Time Off, holidays, and more.

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

All candidates must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen and adhere to all Company, Federal, and State Food Safety Regulations and Policies. This organization participates in E-Verify.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.