Director of Hospitality

Company Description

Lewis Cellars, established in 1992, is an award-winning luxury Napa winery, and part of The Wonderful Company’s portfolio of boutique wineries (JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards). We are seeking a Director of Hospitality who will oversee all aspects of daily operation of the tasting room, while creating and executing engaging, memorable, and educational guest experiences. 

This is a unique leadership opportunity to join a brand in an exciting transformational period. In addition to an expanded wine offering and brand refresh, in September 2024 Lewis will also unveil a fully renovated unrivaled hospitality experience through the opening of the new Lewis Estate tasting room, restaurant, event space, and expansive grounds on Silverado Trail (previously the Robert Sinskey Tasting Room). In addition to Lewis’ big, bold wines, the property will feature elevated pairing menus and bespoke culinary offerings, designed by the Chef Team from sister winery, JUSTIN’s Michelin-Starred Restaurant. 

The role reports into the SVP of Marketing & DTC, and is crucial to providing input on the strategic vision, programming, service models, and changing consumer needs of the region. A qualified candidate must have extensive experience developing and managing distinctive wine and food guest experiences with strong Napa connections and relationships.

Job Description

 

• Direct and lead the launch of the grand opening of the new Lewis Estate, including strategy for front-of-house, back-of-house, programs, and events
• Provide strategic and tactical business planning and budgeting for all aspects of the business. Maintain all inventory and sample controls to ensure a proper cost margin
  • Deliver on performance goals around revenue and volume, Wine Society signups, staff development and retention, and customer data capture and quality
  • Develop local relationships to expand experience/facility awareness and meet initial traffic projections
  • Establish relationships with vendors, local services, and suppliers alongside shared services department
• Hire and train a full restaurant and event staff up to 40 team members
  • Lead employee performance optimization, including hiring, training, culture, motivation, and mentorship
  • Provide strategic direction and leadership to all hospitality employees by supervising, effectively communicating and enforcing company policies and procedures, department operations, hiring and training tasting room attendants, and partnering with other departments to develop and promote the Lewis brand image and products.
  • Coordinate with the Lewis Educational Training team to further wine knowledge, ensure certifications are garnered, and create ongoing staff development goals.
  • Collaborate with the central Education team to develop trainings, SOPs for service and staff development
• Partner with food program, menu development, working with corporate hospitality leadership and Chef
• Understand, embrace, and execute upon ownership values and vision, crafting and delivering an ideal luxury guest experience
• Manage and develop service offering for VIP guests and trade professionals
• Maintain relationships with Local and Regional business partners to maximize brand exposure and facilitate driving traffic
  • Develop quarterly brand-building and compelling events that reflect the standards of the brand, Lewis’s insiders, as well as local Napa affluent residents
• Work with the Marketing Department to conform to branding guidelines for all POS and guest facing documentation
• Lead the implementation of all IT based systems in the new tasting room

Qualifications

• Significant demonstrated success in Hospitality Management, including luxury guest/member relations, high-level food & beverage, and event planning & management
  • Motivation and aspiration to attain accolades and service progression, including Forbes 5-Star, AAA 5-Diamond, etc.
  • Prior experience opening a fine dining Hospitality venue, a plus
• Experience in the wine industry, specifically Sommelier level I required. If not obtained prior to hire, then candidate must be willing to attain/pursue within first 6 months (company sponsored)
• Recognized leadership, managerial, and coaching skills to build and empower a productive, team-driven staff
• Proven track record overseeing the sales of a successful business, including driving profitability, P&L management, and budget development
• Capability to present data clearly and concisely, illustrating technical calculations, spreadsheets, charts/graphs, and budgets
• Must possess the ability to think "big picture" while also being well versed in day-to-day processes, procedures, and systems
• Proven experience to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, while relating to people at all levels
• Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time
  • Extended trips to other California wine regions including our properties in Sonoma and Paso Robles prior to the opening of the new facility in September will be required

Pay Range: $150,000 to $165,000 and may include a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.  

Additional Information

• Competitive benefits package including Medical (including 24/7 online access to a physician), Vision, Dental and 401k with match eligibility
• Opportunity for development and internal mobility
• Manager and leadership training, weekly L&OD webinars, and eLearning offerings
• Training in continuous improvement and project management
• Wonderful Giving (wonderfulgiving.com) - allowing you to donate company money to a cause of your choice
• Company prioritizes wellness through its Wonderful NOW (Nourish Our Wellness) initiative, which provides a robust suite of wellness offerings such as access to mental health resources and life coaching, employee community groups, cash rewards for healthy habits, and on-demand fitness videos

Since 1992, Lewis Cellars has flourished from a small family winery into a continually growing world-class winemaking facility in Napa Valley. We take pride in our daily winemaking operations and the partnering relationships we have established to ensure we pursue our production goals. Sourcing the finest fruit exclusively from Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford and Oak Knoll, our carefully selected varietal characters result in top-scoring, world class wines. To discover more about Lewis Cellars, please visit our website Lewis Cellars.

To learn more about The Wonderful Company, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit csr.wonderful.com

The Wonderful Company is an Equality Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities for advancement. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that embodies a deep culture of acceptance, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.

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