Nestled amidst 70+ acres of picturesque vineyards and preserved farmland in Voorhees Township, NJ, just a short drive from Philadelphia, Saddlehill Winery & Farmhouse Kitchen offers a unique agritourism experience. Our expansive tasting room boasts stunning views of the vineyards, farm, horse pastures, and flower gardens. We are a 300+-seat farm-to-table establishment committed to serving lunch and dinner featuring dishes crafted primarily from ingredients grown on our estate. We also offer our estate-crafted wines and a curated selection of farm-produced retail items. At Saddlehill, we strive to create a welcoming and beautiful environment for our customers to unwind and savor world-class wine and food pairings.
The Role
Saddlehill Winery & Farmhouse Kitchen is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Assistant Manager with a primary focus on Event Coordination. Reporting to the General Manager, this role will be instrumental in driving revenue and enhancing the guest experience by actively soliciting, planning, and executing a variety of group events, while also providing floor management support as needed. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized, customer-centric individual with a passion for wine, culinary pairings, and creating memorable experiences.
Responsibilities (Event Coordination Focus)
Event Sales & Booking:
Proactively identify and solicit large group bookings, including wine tastings, culinary pairing experiences, corporate events, networking gatherings, and other private functions.
Respond promptly and professionally to all event inquiries, providing detailed information about our offerings, pricing, and availability
Develop and present compelling event proposals and contracts tailored to client needs and budgets.
Conduct site tours and client meetings to showcase our facilities and capabilities.
Negotiate event details and finalize booking agreements.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all event bookings and related communications.
Event Planning & Execution:
Serve as the primary point of contact for event clients, building strong relationships and ensuring clear communication throughout the planning process.
Collaborate with the culinary team and other relevant departments to design customized menus and wine pairing options.
Coordinate all logistical aspects of events, including room setup, staffing,wine & culinary offering,
Create detailed event orders and communicate all necessary information to the operational teams.
Oversee the execution of events on-site, ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional guest satisfaction.
Troubleshoot any issues that may arise during events, ensuring swift and effective resolution.
Follow up with clients post-event to gather feedback and cultivate repeat business.
Business Development & Marketing:
Research and identify potential event markets and opportunities.
Assist in the development of marketing materials and promotional strategies to attract group bookings.
Network with local businesses and organizations to build relationships and generate leads.
Stay informed about industry trends and competitor offerings in event management.
Overseeing the front-of-house team, including hosts, servers, and bussers, during scheduled shifts.
Ensuring that staff members adhere to Saddlehill's standards for service, appearance, and conduct.
Assisting with training new employees and providing ongoing support and feedback to current staff.
Customer Service:
Handling customer inquiries, complaints, and special requests to ensure a positive experience.
Interacting with guests to gauge their satisfaction and address any issues promptly.
Coordinating with the kitchen to ensure timely and accurate order delivery.
Floor Operations:
Managing the seating of guests to optimize table turnover and reduce wait times.
Monitoring the dining room to ensure it remains clean, organized, and properly set up throughout service.
Overseeing the flow of service, ensuring that all areas of the restaurant are running smoothly.
Coordination and Communication:
Communicating effectively with the kitchen, bar, and other staff to ensure seamless service.
Coordinating with other managers to implement daily specials, promotions, and events.
Ensuring that all team members are informed about the menu, specials, and any changes to operations.
Problem Solving:
Quickly addressing and resolving any issues that arise during service, whether they involve staff, guests, or the restaurant environment.
Making real-time decisions to maintain service quality during peak hours.
Safety and Compliance:
Ensuring that the restaurant complies with health and safety regulations, including food safety, cleanliness, and employee conduct.
Conducting regular checks of the dining area to identify and address any potential hazards.
Financial Oversight:
Assisting with cash handling procedures, including closing out servers' cash drawers and ensuring accurate end-of-day reports.
Inventory Management:
Monitoring and managing front-of-house inventory, such as table settings, linens, and cleaning supplies.
Ensuring that necessary supplies are stocked and available for use.
Staff Scheduling:
Assisting with creating and managing staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.
Adjusting staffing levels in real-time based on customer flow and operational needs.
Qualifications
2+ years of previous management experience in a restaurant, winery, or event venue environment, with a strong emphasis on event coordination and sales.
Proven track record of successfully booking and executing group events.
Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and guests.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent 1 written and verbal communication skills, 2 including the ability to create professional proposals and correspondence.
Strong knowledge of food and wine, with the ability to make informed recommendations and pairings.
Proficiency in basic computer applications and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Flexible schedule availability, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by event schedules.
Knowledge of safety and sanitation standards in the food and beverage industry.
TIPS Certification or willingness to obtain prior to start of work.
A genuine passion for the hospitality industry, wine, and creating memorable guest experiences.
Salary: $55000 - $62000 per year
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