WineTalent Classifieds: Southern California Sales Representative

WineTalent is working with our confidential client on a sales role in the Southern California territory.  The Sales Representative will actively represent the winery in the Southern California market. This position will be responsible for managing relationships with the distributor sales team, key accounts, and wine buyers in the area.  The winery is a boutique, luxury wine project featuring a talented winemaking team and excellent estate fruit. 

Responsibilities:

·     Manage the Southern California market through new account prospecting, key account development, existing account relationship management and fostering a strong partnership with the distributor. 

·      Actively network with key decision makers to increase new sales opportunities and build on past sales successes. 

·      Working with the company’s management and sales team, set up sales goals and account lists.

·      Working independently, manage daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly sales activities to create a strong presence of the wines in the market.

·      Actively sell to on-premise and off-premise accounts both in partnership with wholesale team and through self-initiated sales calls.

·      Identify and manage relationships with high volume and/or high potential accounts.

·      Foster relationships with luxury dining, lodging and hospitality venues.  This includes private club and resort accounts.

·      Represent the winery at select trade and consumer events. 

Qualifications and Requirements:

·      Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or closely related field.  Work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered

·      At least 3 years of fine wine sales in the Southern California market.

·      Proven experience selling luxury wine brands to both on-premise and off-premise accounts. 

·      Past work experience in a distributor sales role highly desirable.

·      Established relationships with buyers in private venues such as country clubs, yacht clubs, etc.

·      Experience with Bordeaux varietals and blends.  Excellent tasting palate with an appreciate of Bordeaux blends and Cabernet Sauvignon.

·      Ability to take ownership of sales responsibilities in the market.

·      A dedication to hard work and “getting the sale.”  Smart and tenacious salespeople only need apply. 

All Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential
If you are interested in applying, please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net
WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

Book Review: Do No Harm by Henry Marsh

Hello Fellow Readers.  Just dug this gem out of my stack of books:   Do No Harm by Henry Marsh.  A good friend had recommended it over 3 years ago and this past month I couldn't put it down

Do No Harm is written by British brain surgeon Henry Marsh.  Dr. Marsh does a wonderful job of talking about complicated brain issues in easily understandable language.  He also talks about his interpersonal relationships with patients, co-workers and his family.  He also shines light on the bureaucracy that medicine has become.

Dr. Marsh starts each chapter with a medical term for a disorder, such as Aneurysm, and then discusses the surgery he performs on a patient with that problem, along with the situations surrounding the surgery.  Situations include not having enough beds in the surgery ward for his patients, dealing with other "famous" brain surgeons and the damage they have wrought to a patient, through to working as a volunteer in a Ukrainian hospital.  Dr. Marsh also brings out his personal story, including his infant son suffering from a brain tumor, and his retinas detaching and breaking his leg falling down his staircase.  Doctors are human too, and need medical care just like you and I. 

The book was a fun and fast read.  Dr. Marsh gave enthralling descriptors of surgeries.  He also told about unsuccessful surgeries that left patients dead, in a vegetative state or otherwise.  Dr. Marsh's commitment to his patients' best outcomes was evident in each story. 

I definitely encourage you to read this book.  It will shed some light on the inner workings of the brain, and might just make you think about things in a new way. 

WineTalent Classifieds: Service Manager at Farmstead

WineTalent is working with our client, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch on a Restaurant Manager position. 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 Restaurant Service Manager to manage the delivery of a consistent, customer focused experience.  Under the direction of the General Manager, the Service Manager will provide staff training and coaching to reach operational excellence. Actively involved on the restaurant floor, the Service Manager will provide oversight of the staff and will address customer service issues.  This role will also manage the day-to-day operations of the restaurant including ordering product and optimizing profits.

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 role model appropriate behaviors in the restaurant.  Lead by example and maintain a strong floor presence. Support staff throughout the day- get your hands dirty.
• Maintain procedures and standards for team service.  Correct and coach employees as needed.
• Ensure positive guest experience in all areas.  Respond promptly to complaints 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.
• 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.  Following systems established by the General Manager, maintain facilities as needed including mechanical systems, equipment, operation of lights, music and decor.
• Maintain standard operating procedures as established by the General Manager.
• Under the supervision of the General Manager, manage the recruitment, selection, training, counseling and discipline of front of house staff.  Maintain written documentation of discipline on company templates.
• Lead daily pre-shift meetings and communicate menu features, service points and beverage training. Develop weekly focus topics for service points.
• Open and close the restaurant as needed.  Support the management team when someone on the team is out on leave or sick.
• Keep the General Manager fully informed of all issues and take prompt corrective action when 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.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to develop 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 staff performance reviews and provide growth opportunities.
• Meet restaurant financial objectives by helping to analyze variances; initiate corrective actions; develop and implement strategies to increase average meal checks.
• Order restaurant supplies as needed including coffee, tea, guest supplies, menu paper.  Approve and code invoices per company standards and policies.
• Be responsible for all cash handling, banking and accounting procedures including end of day reconciliation and tip cash out systems.
• Follow up on credit card charge inquiries.
• Support Events Operations Manager with oversight and execution of private events
• Attend weekly BEO meetings to facilitate communication from events 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.
• Act as a main contact for the client during the event and provide regular communication and feedback to the kitchen.
• Coordinate and supervise daily operation of meeting setups and service.
• Control of labor costs and inventory of event equipment.

Qualifications and Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in a fast paced restaurant.
• Proven experience managing and coaching service staff in a fast paced restaurant setting.
• Strong organizational and communication skills to manage staff, interact with management and resolve customer service issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record.
• A pre-employment background check is required.
• Able to lift 40+ lbs.

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).

All inquiries are completely confidential.

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

WineTalent Classifieds: Hospitality Manager at Stony Hill

WineTalent is working with our client Long Meadow Ranch on an exciting opportunity to join the Hospitality Team in a management position as Hospitality Manager - Stony Hill.

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.

We are seeking a Hospitality Manager to oversee the hospitality experiences at our Stony Hill property. The Hospitality Manager will be primarily responsible for managing the hospitality team at Stony Hill ensuring an unforgettable experience to our guests and promoting our wines and wine club. The ideal candidate will be engaging and knowledgeable about Stony Hill, Long Meadow Ranch, wine, food and also the Napa Valley. Interacting with guests from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the Hospitality Manager will strive to create a unique and personal experience with each guest.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily operations, including tasting setup and breakdown, reservations, order processing, and inventory management
• Host guests on guided winery visits and tastings that are unique and memorable
• Deliver a customer experience that provides world-class customer service and tells our winery history, mission and philosophy.
• Create opportunities to present and sell wine and acquire club memberships
• Assist with the hiring, training, and scheduling of hourly hospitality staff
• Ensure proper execution of daily procedures, including tasting protocol, point of sale operations, maintaining proper inventory control, signing up wine club members, opening and closing, and daily upkeep and maintenance of the tasting areas
• Lead daily staff meetings
• Assist in the coordination of all on-site events
• Handle routine purchasing transactions including point of sale/cash register operations and accounting for daily sales and tips. Ensure that all Hospitality accounting is correct and complete at the end of the business day
• Collaborate with the Director of Consumer Sales & Hospitality to achieve goals for sales, wine club sign ups and data collection goals; plan properly and motivate the team to reach these goals.
• Demonstrate leadership and personal support to hourly staff. Help coach, guide and develop staff into a strong sales and service focused team. Provide clear direction and support to staff regarding sales initiatives and programs.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with other team members at the winery as well as other departments, such as Consumer Sales, Marketing and Private Events.
• Collaborate with theDirector of Consumer Sales & Hospitality to generate and execute ideas to build tasting room traffic.
• Collaborate with theDirector of Consumer Sales & Hospitality to develop compelling and unique visitor programs and experience.
• Submit all reports to accounting and management as required, including daily sales, monthly inventory, and monthly performance analysis.

Education, Experience and Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality or related experience
• 2+ year of hospitality experience with strong proven experience in direct-to-consumer wine sales
• Knowledge of organic and sustainable farming and food production
• Strong interest in the farm-to-table movement and culinary pursuits
• Effective communication and sales skills
• Must be able to work Saturday and Sunday
• Customer service experience with a genuine desire to provide exceptional service
• Proven experience in direct-to-consumer wine sales
• A valid California Driver’s License with a safe driving record
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• A pre-employment background is required

Compensation and Benefits

• This is a full-time hourly position.
• Competitive compensation depending on experience plus medical, dental and vision benefits and 401k

All Inquiries are Completely Confidential

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

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

WineTalent Classifieds: Restaurant Service Manager at Farmstead

WineTalent is working with our client, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch on a Restaurant Manager position. 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 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 Restaurant Service Manager to manage the delivery of a consistent, customer focused experience. Under the direction of the General Manager, the Restaurant Manager will provide staff training and coaching to reach operational excellence. Actively involved on the restaurant floor, the Restaurant Manager will provide oversight of the staff and will address customer service issues. This role will also manage the day-to-day operations of the restaurant including ordering product and optimizing profits.

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 role model appropriate behaviors in the restaurant. Lead by example and maintain a strong floor presence. Support staff throughout the day- get your hands dirty.
Maintain procedures and standards for team service. Correct and coach employees as needed.
Ensure positive guest experience in all areas. Respond promptly to complaints 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.
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. Following systems established by the General Manager, maintain facilities as needed including mechanical systems, equipment, operation of lights, music and decor.
Maintain standard operating procedures as established by the General Manager.
Under the supervision of the General Manager, manage the recruitment, selection, training, counseling and discipline of front of house staff. Maintain written documentation of discipline on company templates.
Lead daily pre-shift meetings and communicate menu features, service points and beverage training. Develop weekly focus topics for service points.
Open and close the restaurant as needed. Support the management team when someone on the team is out on leave or sick.
Keep the General Manager fully informed of all issues and take prompt corrective action when 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.
Collaborate with the General Manager to develop 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 staff performance reviews and provide growth opportunities.
Meet restaurant financial objectives by helping to analyze variances; initiate corrective actions; develop and implement strategies to increase average meal checks.
Order restaurant supplies as needed including coffee, tea, guest supplies, menu paper. Approve and code invoices per company standards and policies.
Be responsible for all cash handling, banking and accounting procedures including end of day reconciliation and tip cash out systems.
Follow up on credit card charge inquiries.

Qualifications and RequirementsAt least 5 years of experience in a fast paced restaurant. 
Proven experience managing and coaching service staff in a fast paced restaurant setting.
Strong organizational and communication skills to manage staff, interact with management and resolve customer service issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record.
A pre-employment background check is required.
Able to lift 40+ lbs.

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).

All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.  
Email resumes to amy@winetalent.net
WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job