Events Assistant Manager

Company Description

A new era of luxury hospitality is coming to Napa. Opening this year, Lewis Cellars will build on its legacy, now with a reimagined estate and a world-class culinary program led by our MICHELIN-Starred Executive Chef. This is more than just a new tasting room—it's an opportunity to shape something extraordinary at a destination where handcrafted wines meet exceptional service.

As we prepare to unveil this incredible property, we seek passionate professionals to be part of the journey—bringing warmth, expertise, and a commitment to providing unparalleled customer service. If you’re passionate about hospitality, fine wine, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, this is your chance to be part of something truly special.

We are seeking an Events Assistant Manager to join our newly designed, state-of-the-art tasting room at Lewis Cellars. Under the direction of the Director of Hospitality, the Events Assistant Manager oversees all aspects of food service and events and supports the daily tasting room operations. Daily tasting room activities include positive customer interactions, meeting Wine Insider sign-up goals, staff training, and collaboration with other departments such as Hospitality, Marketing, Wine Society, and Production. You will collaborate with the Sales Manager on planning, organizing, and managing all events held at the winery, ensuring they meet our high standards and provide an unforgettable experience for our guests. This position requires a creative, detail-oriented, and customer-focused individual who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

This full-time role requires a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, and the ability to work evening shifts as needed. The target start date for this position is early April.

Job Description

• Collaborate with the Sales Manager on all aspects of event planning, from initial client contact through execution, post-event follow-up, and responding to inquiries
• Partner with the Sales Manager to develop and maintain event timelines, budgets, and schedules to ensure smooth event operations
• Provide support with all program outreach efforts
• Work with clients to understand their needs and expectations, offering customized event options tailored to their preferences
• Coordinate with vendors, catering teams, and suppliers to ensure all materials and services are in place
• Work in tandem with the winery’s management team and staff to ensure smooth daily operations and successful event execution
• Assist with training and mentoring event staff to uphold high standards of hospitality and service
• Oversee the Tasting Room Staff, including responsibility for timecards, scheduling, annual reviews, employee counseling, hiring, performance management, and ensuring employee safety
• Manage daily staff scheduling across all tasting room areas
• Enforce Tasting Room Standard Operating Procedures
• Address and resolve guest concerns or complaints with professionalism, sound judgment, and tact
• Foster and facilitate effective communication across all departments, including Hospitality, Marketing, Wine Society, Accounting, Production, and Housekeeping

Qualifications

• 2 years of hospitality sales and event management experience; wine industry experience preferred
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory or management experience 
• Knowledge of opening a new outlet or service location is highly desirable
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed
• Understanding of P&L, labor plans, etc.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and prior experience developing, hiring, and building up a team
• Well-versed in POS Systems and must be able to perform technical calculations, assemble data in spreadsheets and charts/graphs, and manage budgets
• Proven success working with others and excellent communication skills
• Ability to relate to people at all levels; educate and serve as a mentor
• Level I Sommelier - or willingness to get a level I (with company sponsorship) or WSET Level 2
• Must possess a "big picture" perspective and able to establish direction, obtain commitment and execute appropriate management processes

Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000 base salary and may include a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills and experience.

Additional Information

• Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including: 
  • 24/7 online physician consultations 
  • virtual mental health resources 
  • life coaching 
  • engaging employee community groups 
  • cash rewards for healt