Friday, March 23, 2018

WineTalent Classifieds: Beverage Manager at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

WineTalent is working with our client Long Meadow Ranch on a Beverage Manager role at Farmstead. 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.

Long Meadow Ranch’s restaurant at Farmstead showcases the seasonal, ingredient-driven American farmhouse cooking of executive chef Stephen Barber. Housed in a former nursery barn, our 110-seat restaurant features an authentic farm-to-table menu. The ingredients are foraged from local sources and feature Long Meadow Ranch’s award-winning wines, handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, grass-fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

Long Meadow Ranch has an exciting opportunity for a Beverage Manager to join our restaurant management team to ensure the delivery of a consistent, customer focused experience and oversee the beverage program including wine, beer and spirits. The Beverage Manager will provide staff training and coaching to reach operational excellence. Actively involved on the restaurant floor, the Beverage Manager will provide supervision of the staff and will address customer service issues. Additionally this role will be managing the day-to-day responsibilities and development of the beverage program.

Responsibilities:

Actively engage in service for the majority of working hours. Directly perform hands-on work on an ongoing basis to manage employee performance, provide feedback and coaching, and otherwise model appropriate behaviors in the restaurant. Lead by example and maintain a strong floor presence. Support staff throughout the day - get your hands dirty.
Ensure positive guest experience in all areas. Respond promptly to customer feedback and take action to resolve guest issues. Maintain guest satisfaction by monitoring and auditing food, beverage and service offerings. 
Build relationships with preferred patrons, recognize special occasions and PX guests.
Maintain standard operating procedures as established by the General Manager.
Ensure that all food safety, food quality standards, workplace safety standards, customer service standards and company policies are met. Comply with all Department of Environmental Health food safety regulations.
Maintain a facility that is safe, secure and healthy as well as consistently “inspection ready” in all areas including front of house and back of house. Develop standard operating procedures; determine and implement system improvements as needed.
Under the direction of the General Manager, assist with the recruitment, selection, training, scheduling, counseling and discipline of front of house staff. Lead daily pre-shift meetings and communicate menu features, service points and beverage training.
Open and close the restaurant as needed. Support the team when a manager is away on leave or sick.
Keep the General Manager fully informed of all issues and take prompt corrective action where necessary or suggest alternate courses of action.
Maintain a favorable working relationship with all company employees to foster and promote a cooperative, positive and respectful workplace culture. 
Administrative and General:

Meet beverage program objectives by analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions; developing and implementing strategies to increase beverage sales.
Identify opportunities to control beverage costs. Work closely with the General Manager to develop procedures and execute the monthly beverage inventory processes.
Direct the beverage purchase process, including the timing and receiving of orders and invoice settlement.
Oversee proper storage areas and storage temperatures for beverages.
Continually research vendor possibilities, pricing, service, and evaluate vendor relationships to the benefit of the company.
Manage the maintenance, upkeep and data entry of the beverage inventory program Bevager.
Be responsible for the general cleanliness, presentation and operations of the indoor and outdoor bar areas.
Follow established plans for training including food & wine education, one-on-one training, communication of company standards & policies and Long Meadow Ranch brand training.
Approve and code purchases and submit promptly to the finance team.
Collaborate with the finance team to process end of month accounting procedures in a timely manner, following company procedures.
Follow existing systems to manage the ordering of restaurant supplies, usage and organization.
Identify competing businesses and propose to the General Manager changes to the offerings and operations of the restaurant to stay relevant. 
Qualifications and Requirements

3+ years of management experience in a fast paced, fine dining restaurant.
Experience with restaurant software including HotSchedules, Bevager, Aloha, and Open Table are a plus.
Proficiency with Google suite and MS Office products.
Proven commitment to creating a great first impression with the ability to consistently provide excellent guest experiences.
Strong organizational and communication skills to manage staff, interact with management and respond to guests’ needs.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to lift 40+ lbs.
Valid CA driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record.
A pre-employment background check 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).

WineTalent Classifieds: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch Banquet Manager

WineTalent is working with our client Long Meadow Ranch on a Beverage Manager role at Farmstead. 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 have a unique opportunity for a motivated Banquet Manager to join our events team! Events at Long Meadow Ranch include Live Fires, Guest Chefs, Beer and Wine Dinners, weddings, and occasional offsite events. The Banquet Manager oversees all aspects of the execution of our private events, including setup, food presentation, food & beverage service and cleanup while focusing on every detail and the highest quality of customer service and presentation. 

Responsibilities:

Actively engage in service for the majority of working hours. Directly perform hands-on work on an ongoing basis to manage employee performance, provide feedback and coaching. Model appropriate behaviors, lead by example and maintain a strong presence.
Ensure positive guest experience in all areas. Respond promptly to complaints and take action to resolve guest issues. 
Provide overall leadership for the event front of house staff as well as recognize and motivate staff and coach for operational excellence. Provide continuous, constructive feedback and guidance to staff and assistant managers.
Oversee the recruitment, selection, training, scheduling, counseling and discipline of event front of house staff.
Lead weekly BEO meetings to facilitate communication from sales team to execution team.
Post sales and close payments at the conclusion of each event.
Oversee rental equipment load-in and check-out as needed.
Develop standard operating procedures for event execution; determine and implement system improvements.
Lead pre-shift meetings and communicate menu information, service details and beverage training.
Ensure that all food safety, food quality standards, workplace safety standards, customer service standards and company policies are met. Comply with all Department of Environmental Health food safety regulations.
Maintain a facility that is safe, secure and healthy as well as consistently “inspection ready” in all areas including front of house and back of house. Develop systems and awareness to repair and maintain facilities as needed including mechanical systems, equipment, operation of lights, music and decor.
Keep the General Manager fully informed of all issues and take prompt corrective action where necessary or suggest alternate courses of action.
Maintain a favorable working relationship with all company employees to foster and promote a cooperative, positive and respectful workplace culture.
Administrative and General:

Develop processes and systems to best manage events beverage costs.
Review and approve payroll, approve hourly rate and status changes for employees.
Manage event purchases and inventory by negotiating prices.
Follow systems to manage the ordering of supplies, usage and organization, according to company procedures.
Approve and code purchases and submit promptly to the finance team.
Collaborate with the finance team to process end of month accounting procedures in a timely manner, following company procedures.
Develop and maintain an effective plan for training including food & wine education, one-on-one training, communication of company standards & policies and Long Meadow Ranch brand training.
Conduct regular event staff performance reviews and provide growth opportunities. 
Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or Hotel Management or closely related discipline.
At least 3 years of experience in hospitality and event management in the lifestyle, restaurant, resort, hotel, travel or winery industry.
Proficiency with Google suite and MS Office products.
Proven commitment to creating a great first impression with the ability to consistently provide excellent guest experiences.
Strong organizational and communication skills to manage staff, interact with management and respond to guests’ needs.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Able to lift 40+ lbs.
Valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record.
A pre-employment background check 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).

WineTalent Classifieds: Hospitality Managers for B Cellars

WineTalent is an executive search firm focused on the wine industry; we have been retained by B Cellars to lead the search for the Hospitality Management team. Now in its fifth full year of operation on the Oakville Cross Road, B Cellars Vineyards and Winery is seeking a hospitality management team to manage and facilitate front and back of the house functions in support of the in-person direct-to-consumer sales efforts. The Hospitality Manager will also support the telesales and customer relations programs. This is a dynamic, multi-functional role that directly contributes to the exceptional guest experience at B Cellars.  

Description: The Hospitality Manager will work as part of the hospitality management team to provide support to the hospitality staff, to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures and to maintain the highest attention to the guest experience. Working with fellow managers, this role will oversee staff scheduling, training and coaching. The Hospitality Manager also manages the merchandising and supply inventory of the Hospitality House. Working to provide consistent messaging to staff and guests, the Hospitality Manager will interface with the marketing team on the website and with the PR firm on communications. This will also include managing the sales and marketing calendar. Additionally the role oversees the shipping and fulfillment of wine orders.  

Responsibilities:
Hospitality House:
•  Act as Manager on Duty for the Sales Team
•  Handle the role of a Maitre d’ for the Hospitality House
•  Scheduling Guides, Concierges, and Navigators
•  Managing Concierges and Navigators
•  Managing Guides in their Hospitality capacity
•  Supervision of hospitality team
•  Manage merchandising
Marketing:  
•  Manage B Cellars website
•  Manage B Cellars PR and Social Media firm
•  Manage B Cellars sales and marketing calendar
•  Produce and update copy, collateral, etc.
Shipping/Fulfillment:
•  Manage inventory
•  Manage shipping
•  Manage dry goods and paper goods inventories

Qualifications and Requirements
•  Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Communications or related discipline.
•  At least 10 years of hospitality management including tasting room, event management, .

Compensation and Benefits
•  This is a full-time, salaried position. 
•  Co-pay comprehensive medical plan.
•  Matching funded Simple IRA retirement plan.
•  Vacation, sick-day and holiday pay.

All communications will be kept strictly confidential.

WineTalent: The Right People for the Job