Wine Program Manager

ZipRecruiter; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate wine expert to lead their wine program and provide exceptional hospitality. This full-time role involves managing inventory, sourcing wines, and educating staff while engaging with guests. The ideal candidate will have a deep appreciation for wine, a knack for leadership, and the ability to create memorable experiences. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and have a love for wine, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable wine knowledge is essential for this role.
• Must be over 21 years of age and available for full-time in-person work.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the wine program including sourcing and inventory.
• Lead wine education for staff and ensure excellent guest service.

Skills

Wine Knowledge

Hospitality

Inventory Management

Event Coordination

Tools

POS System

Job description

Job Description

Description:

We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just work with wine, but truly cares about it. This role is for someone who has put in time tasting, learning, and forming their own point of view. You should have favorite producers, clear opinions, and a real understanding of what makes a wine exciting, aligned with our values: wines that are responsibly farmed, thoughtfully made, and full of character.

This is a full-time, guest-facing, floor leadership role. You’ll spend the majority of your time working service, leading hospitality, and supporting the team on the floor. You’ll also be responsible for managing all aspects of our wine program, from inventory and sourcing to staff education and guest experience. You’ll report directly to the Executive General Manager and work closely with ownership to continue building a wine program that reflects who we are.

Key Responsibilities

1. Wine Program Management
2. Source and curate wines that align with our values and restaurant.
3. Manage purchasing, inventory, and cost tracking across the full wine program.
4. Maintain accurate and up-to-date wine entries in the POS system.
5. Keep the wine list current and ensure it reflects what’s actually in stock.
6. Monitor sales and cost of goods; provide regular reporting to ownership.
7. Build systems to minimize loss and improve program efficiency.

Wine Club

1. Launch and manage our wine club, including wine selections and allocation logistics.
2. Coordinate member communications, pick-ups, and fulfillment.
3. Plan and lead wine club events in collaboration with the kitchen and service team.
4. Oversee service for member events to ensure a smooth and engaging experience.

Service & Education

1. Work the floor during service, providing support to staff and hospitality to guests.
2. Lead pre-service tastings and ongoing wine education for the team.
3. Ensure proper service standards for storage, temperature, glassware, and guest presentation.
4. Make confident, approachable pairing recommendations to guests.
5. Be prepared to work behind the bar or cover a section when needed.

Leadership & Events

1. Collaborate with the chef and ownership on wine list development and pairings.
2. Schedule and run winemaker nights and other wine-focused events.
3. Help create and maintain a culture of professionalism, curiosity, and great hospitality.
4. Bring new ideas, initiative, and enthusiasm to the restaurant’s overall programming.

Requirements

• Must be over 21 years of age.
• Must have demonstrable wine knowledge.
• Must be available for a full-time, in-person role based in San Diego (Wednesday - Sunday).
• Must be available to open or close the restaurant as scheduled by the Executive General Manager.
• Opening shifts can begin as early as 2 PM on weekdays and 8 AM on weekends.
• Closing shifts can end as late as 12 AM.
• Reports to the Executive General Manager and works in close partnership with ownership.