WineTalent Classifieds: Guest Services Manager for Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena, CA

WineTalent is working with our client, Long Meadow Ranch, on a Guest Services Manager role in St. Helena, CA.  

Long Meadow Ranch is a family-­owned and operated producer and purveyor of
world-­class wine and food that is economically successful and socially responsible using
diversified, sustainable, and organic farming methods. They produce award-­winning wines,
handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, grass-­fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

Long Meadow Ranch has a unique opportunity for a Guest Services Manager with oversight of the guest experience at Long Meadow Ranch. The Guest Services Manager will be an integral member of the team, providing the highest level of professionalism, customer service and brand ambassadorship. Reporting to the Director of Destination Operations, the Guest Services Manager will be responsible for providing the leadership of a highly engaged, customer-focused service organization.

Responsibilities:

• Handle incoming inquiries and communications with guests for restaurant, hospitality and event bookings.
• Provide training on guest relations, problem resolution and issue escalation.
• Create and maintain scripts for interfacing with guests in-person, on the phone, through email and in social media.
• Develop and maintain systems to direct guests and business contacts to the appropriate team member.
• Ensure phone etiquette according to Standard Operating Procedures. 
• Respond to guest issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Support oversight of customer service to include reviewing current operations, development of new policies to overcome repetitive issues and ensure timely response to guest inquiries.
• Develop and manage a guest relationship plan to have high rate of customer satisfaction and prompt issue resolution.
• Support other departments with inbound inquiries.
• Confirm reservations and record notes regarding dietary restrictions or special occasions.
• Promote guest experiences to the General Store, Chef’s Table, Estate and private events.
• Maintain and update customer database.
• Think proactively and constantly implement new standards and service to optimize guest experience.
• Ensure that all policies and procedures, guest experiences and operating activities carried out by team are consistent with company and brand standards.
• Other related tasks assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Hospitality, Communications, Marketing,Business or related field.
• 3 years of hospitality industry experience, ideally including work experience in hotels, restaurant, resort, customer service and private events.
• Advanced experience with hospitality technology and digital tools required. Specific knowledge with PBX phone systems, Vin65, Open Table, and Google Business highly desired.
• Sharp attention to detail with good oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as operate independently.
• Highly professional interpersonal and business relationships.
• Creative problem solver with drive and dedication to succeed.
• Able to lift 40+ lbs.
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License and safe driving record.
• Must be able to have a flexible schedule working weekends and holidays.
• A pre-employment investigative consumer report is required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• This is a full-time, salaried position.
• Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k).

Interested in applying for this position?  Please send your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  Come join an award winning hospitality team!

WineTalent Classifieds: Culinary Farm Manager in St. Helena.

WineTalent is working with our client, Long Meadow Ranch, to find a Culinary Farm Manager.

Long Meadow Ranch is a family owned and operated producer and purveyor of world-class wine and food that is economically successful and socially responsible using diversified, sustainable, and organic farming methods. We produce award-winning wines, handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, grass-fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

Long Meadow Ranch (LMR) has a unique opportunity for a Culinary Farm Manager to manage the extensive organic and sustainable farming operations of Long Meadow Ranch, including fruits, vegetables, herbs and eggs. Reporting to the Director of Ag Operations, The Culinary Farm Manager will handle all purchasing of seeds and supplies and handle routine farm maintenance. This position is responsible for supply to wholesale, retail, farmer’s markets and the award-winning farm-to-table restaurant, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch.

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
•  Develop strong relationships and communications with the restaurant management.
•  Coordinate annual fruit & vegetable supply plan with the restaurant farm-to-table
manager to meet the highest possible percentage of restaurant needs.
•  Create an annual budget and production plan that is consistent with the supply plan and
will ensure they are properly implemented.
•  Supervise and organize an efficient and productive greenhouse program.
•  Oversee the monitoring of crops from planting till harvest, ensuring all cultural practices
are carried out on time.
•  Supervise the management of farm production labor.
•  Provide a constant supply of seasonal farm products to our restaurant.
•  Harvest and stage product to farmer’s markets.
•  Execute basic maintenance of farm equipment, irrigation, greenhouse, landscape and
property.
•  Oversee the pest management program; obtain and renew Private Applicator License.
•  Maintain compliance with the Long Meadow Ranch Good Agricultural Practices Manual;
and renew self certification annually.
•  Oversee recordkeeping of planting and production, including meeting all organic and
other certification requirements.
•  Maintain a clean and effective farming environment that is visited by the public.
•  Participate in occasional company consumer/trade events.

Qualifications and Requirements
•  5 years of organic farming experience.
•  Proven experience in crop management, budgeting and forecasting.
•  Ability to operate tractors and other farm equipment.
•  Ability to perform a wide array of farming operations..
•  Proven ability to manage and lead a team of workers.
•  Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills highly preferred.
•  Proven experience in budget management.
•  Strong written and verbal communication skills.
•  Strong computer skills.
•  Strong work ethic, organizational skills and integrity.
•  Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record.
•  Ability to work in various settings including outside and in inclement weather when
needed.
•  Ability to lift 75+ pounds. The passage of a pre-employment physical is required.
•  A pre-employment investigative consumer report is required.

Compensation and Benefits
•  This is a full-time, salaried position.
•  Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including
medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k).

Interested in joining a world-class farming operation?  Email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  

WineTalent Classifieds: Business Development Manager

WineTalent is working with our client, Laffort USA on a Business Development Manager to represent the Nobile products in North America.

Title:  Business Development Manager

Position Description:  The Business Development Manager will be responsible for representing the Nobile brand of oak adjuncts and other products in North America to new and existing winery clients.  The Business Development Manager will work with an eye towards developing the brand and building business with new clients.  The Business Development Manager will be building relationships with winery professionals throughout the market to showcase the company's offerings.  Working with customers to craft programs specific to their production needs, this role requires a keen understanding of winemaking and production needs.  The ideal candidate will be proactive in tasting specific wines and developing ideas of Nobile products that would match these styles. This role is a key contributor for the company and a Nobile brand builder in the market.

Role and Responsibilities:  

·      Identify potential customers and develop sales strategies for customers throughout North America.   This will entail building business on the West Coast, expanding after business is established.

·      Thorough understanding of the product offerings and production requirements to build customized oak adjunct programs for customers.

·      Keen understanding of the adjunct market and an understanding of pricing strategies for customers of various production volumes.

·      Ability to work with winemakers, cellar masters and production managers to provide Nobile product at sufficient levels, in a timely manner, with the proper enological characteristics while also providing technical support and training as needed.

·      Contract negotiation with production staff, purchasing managers and finance professionals to create profitable sales for Nobile while also meeting the competitive pricing of the industry.  

·      Business development with a focus on the premium wine category with medium to large production wineries.

·      Brand building strategy to increase market penetration of Nobile.

·      Continuous follow-up with production staff to monitor programs and make recommendations or troubleshoot as needed.  

·      Thoughtful suggestions to customers on additional products that may benefit their winemaking program and create additional sales opportunities of Nobile products.  

·      Internal financial goal setting and tracking of sales performance against goals.

·      Support of Laffort’s other product offerings and promoting additional products when needs arise.

·      Routine input of sales calls, customer data and orders into the Laffort CRM system for reporting.

·      Additional administrative duties as required.

Qualifications:  

·      Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology, Fermentation Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, Food Science or related.  Relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.

·      At least five years of work experience, ideally in the wine industry.  

·      Wine production background required.

·      A proven sales acumen.

·      Strong relationship development and maintenance skills.

·      Attention to detail and ability to multi-task.  This is a self-managed role that requires a highly self-motivated individual for success.

·      Ability to travel to customers as needed.  Travel will also involve attendance at various industry trade shows and potentially may include international travel.

Interested in applying?  Please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net. 

2016 Wine Business Monthly Salary Survey

Yowza, it is busy in the recruiting world this year.  So busy, I forgot to share the 2016 Wine Business Monthly Salary Survey with you all.  Please find it here:  https://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/?go=getDigitalIssue&issueId=8769