About this position
Description:
The Assistant Tasting Room Manager supports the General Manager in overseeing the daily operations, team leadership, and guest experience of the Blake’s Tasting Room. This role is hands-on and guest-facing, focused on driving service excellence, staff performance, sales growth, and operational consistency. The Assistant Manager plays a key role in building a cohesive “One Blake’s” culture while ensuring the tasting room operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with company goals.
Core Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Support the General Manager in leading, motivating, and supervising tasting room staff including bartenders, servers, and greeters.
- Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented culture aligned with Blake’s values.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management of staff.
- Develop and implement training initiatives that reinforce service standards, safety, and brand expectations.
- Maintain open, consistent communication with team members and leadership.
Tasting Room Operations
- Assist in managing day-to-day tasting room operations to ensure smooth service and exceptional guest experiences.
- Ensure proper staffing, scheduling, and coverage for all hours of operation.
- Support planning and execution of special activities, promotions, and events to enhance business and guest engagement.
- Maintain accurate tip distribution and reporting in accordance with company policies.
Guest Experience & Sales Performance
- Lead by example on the floor, ensuring high standards of hospitality and service quality.
- Respond effectively to guest questions, feedback, and complaints to ensure satisfaction and value.
- Support initiatives to promote sales.
- Assist in achieving or exceeding budgeted sales and profitability goals set by the General Manager and ownership.
Communication & Collaboration
- Participate in weekly manager meetings, KPI meetings, and company-wide team meetings as required.
- Serve as a liaison between tasting room staff and General Manager to ensure alignment and clarity.
Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
- Protect guests and employees by ensuring safety, sanitation, and health standards are consistently met.
- Enforce compliance with all company policies, health regulations, and established risk mitigation plans.
- Address safety concerns promptly and escalate issues when necessary.
Qualifications
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a restaurant, bar, or similar hospitality environment.
- 1–2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
- ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain).
- Proven ability to lead and coordinate teams of 10 or more employees.
- Strong guest service, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Solid understanding of hospitality industry trends.
- Ability to perform basic business math, including sales reporting and food and beverage costing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong understanding of marketing and sales principles.