Events & Hospitality Manager

Job Description:

Woodward Canyon Winery is seeking an Events & Hospitality Manager.

Position Summary: The Events & Hospitality Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences while strategically driving direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and brand engagement through daily tasting room management and high-impact winery events. This role serves as a key ambassador for Woodward Canyon Winery, responsible for growing our business by cultivating new customer relationships, engaging long-term wine club members, and leading end-to-end event strategy and execution. Note: The responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the core functions outlined below.

ROLE REPORTS TO: Director of Operations
POSITION TYPE: Full-Time / Hourly + Incentives
COMPENSATION: $26.00 – $29.00 / hour (DOE) + Gratuity & Commissions
LOCATION: Walla Walla Valley, WA

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Events & Event Strategy
• Event Leadership: Serve as the primary lead for all onsite and offsite events, overseeing strategy, planning, execution, and post-event analysis to maximize guest experience and sales growth.
• Experience Curation: Conceptualize, schedule, and host unique, high-touch winery experiences, private cellar tastings, wine release events, club gatherings, and trade visits.
• Logistics & Operations: Coordinate all event logistics, including vendor management, catering, equipment/decor rentals, floor plans, and staffing schedules.
• Promotions & Marketing: Collaborate on event marketing and promotion, aligning with digital campaigns, social media, and promotional materials to ensure strong attendance.
• Guest Management: Manage group reservations, custom event packages, fee structures, and event-related guest communications.
• Brand Representation: Represent Woodward Canyon Winery at local, regional, and industry pouring events.
• Financial Tracking: Track and manage event budgets, guest counts, and revenue streams to evaluate event ROI and performance.

Daily Tasting Room & Hospitality Operations
• Operations Management: Lead daily operations of the tasting room, maintaining a professional, welcoming environment that reflects Woodward Canyon brand standards.
• Guest Engagement: Pour and sell wine while engaging guests with detailed knowledge of Woodward Canyon Winery, our Estate Vineyards, and sustainable farming practices.
• POS & Systems: Manage point-of-sale (POS) systems, daily register audits, inventory reconciliations, and sales reporting.
• Menu & Product Curation: Curate tasting menus and price lists based on stock levels, new wine releases, and feature promotions.
• Inventory & Merchandise: Oversee merchandise purchasing, stock audits, corporate gifting, and business account management.
• SOPs & Policies: Maintain, update, and enforce all tasting room operational procedures and opening/closing checklists.
• Concierge Service: Act as a local concierge, providing guest recommendations for lodging, dining, and activities across the Walla Walla Valley.

Team Leadership & Administration
• Staffing & Development: Determine staffing requirements; recruit, hire, train, schedule, and mentor tasting room and event staff.
• Education & Training: Develop staff enrichment programs to foster deep product knowledge, consultative sales techniques, and team cohesion.
• Team Culture: Cultivate a positive, collaborative team environment built on clear communication of brand values, sales goals, and business objectives.
• Customer Service: Address guest inquiries, feedback, or issues via phone and email in a timely, professional manner.

Cross-Functional & Operational Collaboration
• Inventory & Allocations: Report directly to the Director of Operations to monitor inventory, establish tasting room allocation needs based on sales forecasts, and coordinate with winemaking/production through the Director.
• Club Program Integration: Align with the Director of Operations on wine club initiatives to ensure tasting room staff are properly trained on member benefits, special offers, and enrollment targets.
• Strategic Planning & Budgeting: Partner directly with the Director of Operations to develop annual DTC budgets, establish short- and long-term sales priorities, and execute business growth strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Experience: 3+ years of retail, winery, or hospitality management experience with a proven track record in event planning, production, and execution.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or wine-related certification preferred.
• Leadership: Demonstrated supervisory experience with the ability to inspire, train, and manage hospitality teams.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of winemaking ("vine to wine") and deep familiarity with the Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, and Washington State wine regions.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in winery software and tech platforms, including POS systems (OrderPort), reservation software (Tock), and text-messaging platforms (RedChirp); Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace proficiency required. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and social media platforms is a plus.
• Communication: Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a consultative approach to sales.
• Organization: High attention to detail, exceptional multi-tasking and project management skills, and strong problem-solving agility.

Licensing & Requirements:
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid MAST Permit and Food Handlers Card.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Schedule Availability: Regular weekend availability required (Saturday and Sunday), along with periodic evening hours for special events.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Competitive Benefits Package includes: Medical Insurance, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation and Holidays, Gratuity, Club Sign-up Commissions, and Employee Wine Allocation & Discounts.

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