Director of Hospitality - Ram's Gate Winery

Description

Perched upon the rolling hills that define the landscape of the Carneros AVA, Ram’s Gate welcomes visitors as they enter Sonoma’s Wine Country. The vision of owner Jeff O'Neill, Ram’s Gate Winery brings a new perspective on refined elegance through thoughtful farming, transparent winemaking, genuine hospitality, and sublime culinary experiences. The cornerstone of the O'Neill family portfolio, Ram's Gate is dedicated to creating compelling and uncompromising wines sourced from vineyards that encompass the spirit of Sonoma County. Its connection to the land is reflected in the breathtaking tasting room that overlooks the estate vineyard made up of 28 acres of organically farmed vines.

The Director of Hospitality leads all aspects of the Tasting Room operations, leading and developing the hospitality team and fostering an environment that drives the business through extraordinary experiences that transcend expectations. This role champions high standards of service and hospitality, creates and implements innovative and effective Guest experiences, and is responsible for the ongoing training and development of the hospitality team. This role reports to the VP of Luxury Operations and collaborates with all departments, including winemaking, marketing, and operations.

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, Guest-focused, and team-oriented environment. They have a service heart and keen business acumen and build authentic connections through professionalism and warmth. They motivate and inspire through connection and understanding and know that taking care of people first- team, Guests, Members, and the community - is the foundation for exponential growth.

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Manage all aspects of the Tasting Hall business unit, including conversion and sales goals, promotions, guest service, team management, inventory accuracy, and profitability.
• Ensure that the Wine Educators are achieving monthly goals; monitor and communicate progress, including conversion rates, AOV, sales revenue, labor ratios, traffic, and data collection to the leadership team on a regular basis.
• Lead an Events and Experience program that communicates Ram’s Gate’s stories, wines, and values to drive relationships and growth.
• Lead culinary program with best-in-class and innovative programming that sets the standard for differentiated experience and engagement.
• Develop and execute extraordinary guest programs that are well organized, within budget, and consistent with brand guidelines.
• Grow and lead a dynamic team of Wine Educators and support staff. Conduct hiring interviews, mentor, train, and conduct in-the-moment coaching to develop staff further and meet goals.
• Facilitate and lead daily lineup to set the team's tone, pace, and expectations.
• Oversee educational, onboarding, and development opportunities for staff to ensure their wine, sales, sustainability, and industry knowledge is current and evolving; ensure the team conducts themselves as brand and sustainability ambassadors, demonstrating positive characteristics of exceptional guest service and focused sales behavior.
• Manage labor costs, pour costs, and inventory control within budget; ensure PTO requests are filled out and promptly submitted.
• Serves as a positive change agent with an innovation mindset, championing new initiatives and bringing forth fresh ideas to drive growth and elevation through the lens of hospitality.
• Works collaboratively, fostering solution-oriented, positive, and open communication
• Agile and forward-thinking, working through humble leadership and the assumption of positive intent

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 7+ years experience in hospitality management
• 3+ years of wine industry specific experience
• Familiarity with budget & P&L management, restaurant management, event management and experience development
• WSET, Sommelier, or other wine certification preferred

CULTURAL BEHAVIORS

O’Neill team members are Forward Thinkers. Hard Working without Drama. Friendly Problem Solvers<