Tasting Room Manager, Francis Ford Coppola

Position Purpose

The Tasting Room Manager at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery leads the tasting room and retail team to deliver unique, personalized, and memorable guest experiences that foster lasting customer connections to the brand. This role focuses on increasing conversion to purchase and wine club membership through innovative programming, strategic sales initiatives, promotional activities, wine education, and personalized hospitality. The Tasting Room Manager provides daily leadership for tasting room operations, retail sales, and trade visitation, ensuring the team operates cohesively under established service standards and policies to maintain operational excellence.

Functional Responsibility

• Manages and monitors day-to-day operations and team performance to ensure smooth workflows and that company standards are met
• Manages company culture and holds self, peers, and direct reports accountable for demonstrating a constructive company culture through influential, personal behavior and actions; encourages strong work ethic and fosters an environment of trust and respect
• Develops and aligns individual goals with the department's operational goals; ensures that decisions, actions, and priorities are aligned with the company's vision, mission, and strategies 
• Researches best practices, stays abreast of industry trends, and maintains awareness of regulatory changes to ensure compliance and continually improve operations
• Assists in preparing the departmental budget, monitors spending, and directs team in cost-effective operations to ensure adherence to financial objectives
• Monitors performance and regularly communicates with direct reports to achieve mutual understanding and desired results
• Partners with immediate manager to determine staffing needs;  attracts, motivates, and retains a workforce with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to achieve goals and objectives
• Provides employees with a safe, healthy, and rewarding work environment; ensures delivery and completion of monthly safety topics
• Communicates and supports change initiatives and decisions in an effective manner to successfully guide team through change
• Fosters a work environment that encourages creative thinking, promotes flexibility, and drives innovation
• Addresses employee issues, concerns, and complaints in an objective and confidential manner; notifies HR Business Partner and keeps immediate manager informed as appropriate
• Ensures compliance and consistent application of company policies, initiatives, and decisions
• Coaches, guides, and develops direct reports; fully engages in the GPS (Performance Management) process; provides high-quality feedback, and ensures proper GPS documentation of employee performance, recognition, and deficiencies

Essential Duties

• Develops the annual tasting room sales plan and implements sales programs to achieve growth and conversion goals, leveraging data analytics and monthly P&L insights to drive continuous improvement
• Manages tasting room experiences with hands-on leadership, establishing and maintaining exceptional guest service and wine tasting standards
• Oversees daily sales reconciliation and bank deposits, ensuring accurate register reconciliation across departments and timely reporting to Accounting
• Drives Tasting Room & Retail Sales performance by setting clear sales and conversion goals, providing regular feedback, and delivering staff training to support growth objectives
• Leads, trains, and motivates the tasting room team to deliver outstanding customer service, addressing guest feedback and complaints with a focus on satisfaction and loyalty
• Collaborates with Public Relations, Brand, Sales, and Winemaking teams to align experiences with internal brand strategies, showcasing wines effectively and educating trade guests
• Partners with Public Relations, Sales, and Marketing to promote the Delicato Family Wines brand and uphold a positive brand presence in the community
• Designs and facilitates high-touch experiences, including guest stays, wine tastings, tours, and educational events for VIP, international, and trade guests
• Works closely with Facilities Management to ensure the property consistently reflects the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation

*Other duties may be assigned
 

Non-Essential Duties

*Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred 
• 5+ years combined work experience in tasting room, winemaking or hospitality field
• 3+ years management experience at a winery or related field 
• Must be 21 years of age in order to pour, serve, and taste wine 

Certificates and Licenses

• Responsible Beverage Service Certificate required
• Professional wine certification a plus  (Sommelier, CSW, WSET)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High level organizational and time management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Possesses a broad knowledge of wine and varietals
• Self-motivated, able to act independently to solve problems
• Meets changing priorities in the workplace with flexibility and enthusiasm
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Proficient in retail software and Microsoft Office suite, including Word & Excel
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Working Conditions

• General winery environment
• Required to drive automotive vehicle or equipment
• Occasionally may be required to lift and carry cases of wine
• May need to determine color, taste and smell of wine using eyes, tongue, and nose

Work Standards

• Acts in a manner reflective of the Company culture of High Moral Standards, Innovation and Continuous Evolution, Trust in Team, Continuous Improvement, and Sustainable Relationships
• Communicates, interacts, and works effectively with others; receptive to feedback and coaching; voices concerns in a constructive manner
• Demonstrates commitment to safety first; communicates safety concerns; promotes a safe work environment based on established safety standards and training
• Follows all Company policies and procedures

Additional Comments

Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.