Operations Manager

Tasting Room Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Type: Full Time, Salary, PTO, W2

Reports to Ownership

Summary

The Tasting Room Operations Manager is a dynamic, multi-skilled, and passionate individual. This role exists to oversee efficient daily retail operations and hospitality by leading the tasting room team and managing inventory so that sales are maximized and the Muranda brand experience is consistently delivered. This individual will be a leader and strategic partner responsible for managing all aspects of our retail tasting room and assisting with key operational functions related to inventory and production. This hands-on role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional people skills and a deep appreciation for the artisanal cheese-making process. The ideal candidate will maintain the welcoming atmosphere of our historic barn while driving sales, ensuring operational excellence, and embodying the Muranda brand.

Requirements

• Minimum 2-3 years of management experience in high-volume retail or hospitality
• Supervisory Experience: At least 2+ years of experience directly hiring, training, scheduling, and managing a team of 5 or more employees.
• Sales Strategy: Ability to design tasting experiences, manage pricing, and implement successful upselling and membership/club programs.
• Event Coordination: Experience organizing and hosting public or private events (e.g., cheese and wine pairing classes) to drive off-peak revenue.
• POS & Systems: Strong proficiency with Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, scheduling software, and basic MS Office/Google Workspace (especially Excel for reporting).

Key Responsibilities

Tasting Room Management

• Supervise all daily tasting room activities, including cheese tastings, retail sales, special events, and tour groups.
• Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable tasting room associates, focusing on exceptional customer service and product knowledge.
• Manage employee scheduling to ensure optimal staffing levels during all operating hours, including weekends, holidays, and peak seasons.
• Handle all guest inquiries and resolve customer concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• Demonstrates excellence by ensuring the tasting room maintains high standards of cleanliness and visual appeal at all times.
• Operate point-of-sale (POS) systems and manage daily cash reconciliation and reporting.

Operations and Inventory Management

• Oversee inventory for the tasting room, including artisanal cheeses, local wines and beers, and specialty retail merchandise.
• Coordinate with the production and aging teams for inventory transfers and quality control.
• Assist with the fulfillment of online orders and manage the shipping process for retail customers.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Manage all inventory processes, from receiving to maintaining proper handling and storage, conducting regular inventory counts.

Sales and Marketing

• Drive sales growth in the tasting room and online store through engaging product displays, upselling, and targeted promotions.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing special events, such as the summer "Music in the Barn" series and private parties.
• Identify opportunities for new products and experiences that align with the Muranda Cheese brand.
• Collaborate with ownership on digital marketing, including providing content for social media and newsletters.
• Represent Muranda Cheese at off-site farmers' markets, festivals, and other promotional events as needed.

KPI's/ Success Metrics

• Continue to increase retail sales growth YOY.
• Consistency review revenue from last week, last month, last year so that Muranda is continually improving.
• High customer retention rate
• Google Reviews - The number of positive mentions of the associate by name in online reviews (Yelp, Google, etc.) or in internal feedback. We look and YES these do matter.
• Employee Turnover Rate - The percentage of associates who leave the job. A lower turnover rate indicates a positive, effective work environment and reduces hiring/training costs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person