Job Description

Wine Director Opportunity At The Inn At Little Washington

Located in the picturesque town of Washington, Virginia. 30 minutes from Culpeper, Front Royal, and Warrenton, Virginia

Since 1978 The Inn At Little Washington, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, has been one of the most decorated restaurants and hotels in the world. There is no better time to join our growing team of exceptional people. Your next career awaits.

Some of our awards include Michelin 3 Stars, Forbes 5 Stars, Michelin Green Star, AAA 5 Diamonds, and Wine Spectator Grand Award. Member of Relais & Chateaux.

We offer:

• Health, vision and dental insurance (full time employees)
• Paid time off (full time employees)
• 401(k) retirement plan with match
• On-the-job training
• Employee education allowance
• Advancement potential
• Flexible schedules
• Employee appreciation events
• Complimentary uniforms
• Delicious "family" meals daily prepared by the chefs
• Referral bonuses
• Competitive pay

The Wine Director will lead our distinguished wine programs, combining the knowledge and connections to craft unforgettable experiences. Responsible for oversight of the IALW wine / bar program. The incumbent vision and expertise will manage and elevate a robust wine cellar, collaborate with chefs for perfect pairing and create an unparalleled experience for discerning guests. Directly supervises, develops, and supports all projects and team members directly or indirectly. Responsible for maintaining strict standards and expectations, P&L, budgeting, and labor cost. This position reports to the Senior Director of Restaurants Operations.

Essential Functions:

1. Act as a sommelier on the floor to help increase sales

2. Assist in the receipt and storage of all wine products in their proper areas

3. Make sure delivery invoice matches the approved invoices

4. Maintain cellars organization and cleanliness

5. Maintain the ongoing security of all wine assets

6. Ensure daily SOP is being followed

7. Develop team members through appropriate training, coaching, and mentoring to ensure strong operational performance.

8. Responsible for fiscal management and accountability for the department. Implement systems and controls to achieve financial performance as established by the departmental budget,

9. Ensures accurate accounting standards are upheld. Actively ensures effective cost controls management is in place.

10. Maintains a monthly operating report to analyze performance to budget and ensure financial goals are met.

11. Responsible for ongoing evaluation of programs, operations, training, purchasing, and personnel performance to maintain excellence.

12. Engage with consumers in a friendly and approachable manner

13. Educate consumers about the wine offerings, including the history, flavor profiles, and production process

14. Oversee inventory management, order fulfillment, and compliance with TABC and federal tax regulations.

15. Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of sales, shipments, and excise taxes.

16. Collaborate with winemaking and production teams to align product availability with sales demand.

17. Maintain licensing and regulatory compliance for all sales and hospitality operations.

18. Develop and execute events, private tastings, and experiences that enhance brand loyalty.

19. Implement hospitality best practices that increase visitor conversion rates. Leadership & Brand Growth

20. Serve as a key ambassador for the brand, engaging with customers, media, and industry professionals.

21. In the future, lead and mentor a team across sales, marketing, and hospitality functions.

22. Develop and manage budgets, forecasting, and business planning for sales and operations.

23. Represent the winery at trade shows, events, and industry gatherings.

Qualifications:

Required:

1. 5+ years' floor experience as a sommelier in a high-end restaurant/ hotel

2. 5+ years' experience assisting in the organization and upkeep of a large (1000+ selection) wine cellar

3. Excellent and effective trainer

4. Pursuing certification through a recognized certification organization (W.S.E.T./C.M.S.)

5. Certified or Advanced standing with the W.S.E.T./C.M.S.

6. Experience working with a large cellar (1000+ selections) or with a Wine Spectator Grand Award cellar

7. Basic understanding of the business of wine (purchasing, costs, asset protection).

8. Proven leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.

9. Ability to analyze financial reports and sales data to inform business decisions.

10. Strong communication skills and a passion for hospitality and wine education.

11. Experience planning and executing wine events and guest experiences.

12. Knowledge of POS systems, CRM tools, and inventory management platforms

Desirable:

1. 5+ years supervisory responsibility

2. 2+ years working in a Forbes rated property

Skills:

1. Creative problem solver

2. Ability to connect with guests and guide them to a wine that they will love

3. Strong knowledge of the major wine regions of the world

4. Strong organizational skills

5. Passionately committed to the finest guest experience

Schedule:

1. The typical schedule for this position will be 5 days a week with Monday and Tuesday being the usual days off.

2. This schedule will, however, be dictated by operational needs and may be changed at any time to accommodate those needs.

Physical Demands:

1. Be able to work the dining room floor for up to 8 hours.

2. Be able to lift up to 40 lbs. repeatedly.

3. Stand for long periods of time, extended periods of walking

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