About Saddlehill Winery & Farmhouse Kitchen: 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.
Responsibilities (Assistant Manager / Floor Manager Support): - Supervising Staff:
- 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.