Venue Manager — Whiskey & Guest Experience Leader

Next Century Spirits Inc; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Century Spirits Inc. seeks a Manager for Circa 1856 in Louisville to oversee the Sipping Room, The Coupe, and the retail gallery. You will lead staff, safeguard brand standards, and report to the GM for revenue targets. This full-time on-site role requires evenings and weekend availability.

You will drive guest experience, manage schedules, and ensure compliance with Kentucky alcohol regulations while collaborating on local promotions and events.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of management experience in bars, restaurants, tasting rooms, or a related hospitality setting.
• Prior experience in the bourbon, whiskey, or broader spirits industry.
• Proven experience managing staff schedules, P&L, and vendor/inventory relationships.
• Kentucky alcohol server/seller certification (or ability to obtain before start date).
• Strong communication and guest-service skills; comfortable representing the brand to press, tour groups, and VIP guests.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and select holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across the Sipping Room, The Coupe speakeasy, and retail gallery, ensuring consistent service and brand standards.
• Manage venue opening/closing procedures, scheduling, and floor coverage across the operating week.
• Maintain compliance with Kentucky ABC regulations, health and safety codes, and responsible alcohol service standards.
• Recruit, hire, train, and schedule bartenders, tasting room hosts, and retail staff.
• Set performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and coach staff on hospitality and product knowledge.
• Foster a guest-first culture consistent with the Chicken Cock Whiskey brand.
• Manage day-to-day performance against the venue P&L, including labor costs, COGS, and revenue targets set by the GM.
• Work with the Bar Lead to manage liquor, bar supply, and retail bottle inventory, including ordering and vendor relationships.
• Track and report on sales performance across all sales areas.
• Ensure a high standard of hospitality across all guest-facing experiences.
• Coordinate private events, group reservations, and other in-house programming.
• Respond to guest feedback and resolve service issues.
• Represent Circa 1856 and Chicken Cock Whiskey at community and industry events.

Skills

Management experience

Bourbon experience

P&L management

Vendor relationships

Alcohol server cert

Guest service

Flexible schedule

Tools

POS software

Scheduling software

Inventory software

Job description

Next Century Spirits Inc. seeks a Manager for Circa 1856 in Louisville to oversee the Sipping Room, The Coupe, and the retail gallery. You will lead staff, safeguard brand standards, and report to the GM for revenue targets. This full-time on-site role requires evenings and weekend availability.

You will drive guest experience, manage schedules, and ensure compliance with Kentucky alcohol regulations while collaborating on local promotions and events.