Wine Director - The Dynamo Room : Job Details

Are you a seasoned hospitality professional with a passion for fine dining and an appreciation for classic French service? We are an exciting new upscale chophouse from prominent New York City restaurant group, located near the iconic Madison Square Garden, seeking a dynamic and experienced leadership team. We are currently hiring for the Wine Director or to lead our team in providing unparalleled dining experiences.

The Wine Director plays a vital role in creating an exceptional dining experience by offering a well-curated and thoughtfully executed wine program. This position requires a balance of expertise in wine knowledge, leadership, customer service, and financial acumen to elevate the overall dining experience while ensuring profitability and sustainability for the establishment.

Job Overview:

You will be responsible for overseeing and curating the wine program in it's entirety. This role involves selecting, sourcing, and managing the wine list, training staff, and creating a dynamic wine experience for guests. The Wine Director collaborates closely with the culinary team to ensure that the wine offerings complement the food menu and meet the needs of the clientele.

Key Responsibilities:Wine Program:

• Develop and manage the restaurant's wine list, ensuring it aligns with the concept, cuisine, and target market.
• Curate a balanced and diverse selection of wines, including rare, vintage, and local wines.
• Regularly update the wine list to reflect seasonal changes, trends, and new offerings.
• Manage wine inventory, ordering, and storage, maintaining optimal stock levels while avoiding overstocking.
• Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate pricing and secure exclusive or limited-edition bottles.

Staff Training and development:

• Train front-of-house staff (servers, sommeliers, bartenders) on the wine list, wine pairings, and proper wine service techniques.
• Conduct ongoing tastings and educational sessions to improve staff wine knowledge and service skills.
• Encourage staff to upsell wine and enhance the guest experience through wine pairings and recommendations.

Guest Experience:

• Engage with guests to offer personalized wine recommendations based on individual tastes, food choices, and preferences.
• Provide wine pairings and host wine events, tastings, and educational seminars for guests.
• Ensure excellent wine service standards, from proper glassware to optimal storage and serving temperatures.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight:

• Create and manage the wine program's budget, ensuring profitability while maintaining quality.
• Monitor wine sales, track trends, and make adjustments to the program as needed to maximize revenue.
• Ensure wine costs are in line with the business's overall financial goals and pricing strategies.

Collaboration with Culinary Team:

• Work closely with the executive chef and kitchen team to craft wine pairings that complement seasonal menus and highlight key ingredients.
• Participate in menu development, providing input on wine pairings for new dishes and promotions.
• Assist in the development of wine-pairing menus for special events, private dining, or wine dinners.

Vendor Relationships and Sourcing:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with wine distributors, producers, and importers.
• Research and source new and exciting wines to keep the wine program fresh and dynamic.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and any exclusive wine deals.

Compliance and Quality Control:

• Ensure all wine storage, handling, and service meet health and safety regulations and industry standards.
• Maintain proper documentation of wine purchases, inventory, and cost control.
• Special Events and Promotions:
• Plan and execute wine-related events, such as wine tastings, wine dinners, and collaborations with wineries or other establishments.
• Promote the wine program via marketing channels, including social media, website, and email newsletters.
• Participate in industry events, festivals, and competitions to increase visibility and credibility.

Qualifications:Education:

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or a related field preferred.
• Wine certification (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)) highly recommended.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar wine-focused role, such as a sommelier or wine manager, preferably in a fine dining or high-end restaurant environment.
• Proven experience managing and curating wine lists, including sourcing, ordering, and inventory management.

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of wine regions, varietals, vintages, and wine production processes.
• Strong understanding of food and wine pairings, as well as the ability to explain them clearly to both staff and guests.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership experience with the ability to motivate and mentor a team.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy wine cases (up to 50 pounds), and work in a fast-paced environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10001 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• New York, NY 10001: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person