Head of Wine Operations

Wine Service & Member Engagement

• Work closely with the sommelier team to ensure a consistently high standard of wine service.
• Implement quality control measures to uphold wine service excellence across all F&B outlets.
• Lead member engagement initiatives, including wine masterclasses, exclusive tastings, wine-pairing dinners, and vineyard trips – working closely with events- and kitchen- teams.
• Provide expert wine recommendations to members and guests, enhancing their dining and club experience.
• Collaborate with the membership team to curate wine offerings that appeal to different member segments.
• Develop initiatives to foster wine education and engagement, enhancing the overall club experience.
• Act as the wine ambassador for the club, engaging with members and enhancing their wine journey through expert guidance and personalised recommendations.
• Liaise with educational bodies such as WSET and CMS to provide in-house wine education for both staff and Members.

Strategic Wine Programme Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive wine strategy aligned with the club’s vision and member expectations.
• Work closely with the buying team to curate and manage an exceptional wine list, ensuring a balance between classic and emerging regions and producers, alignment with business needs and financial objectives, while also taking part in supplier negotiations and pricing strategies as appropriate. Maximise revenue and profitability.
• Foster relationships with top wineries, distributors, and industry professionals to secure exclusive allocations and unique opportunities.
• Collaborate with the regional Head of Wine and local General Manager to drive wine-led initiatives, including private member tastings, wine trips, and special events.

Inventory, Compliance & Operational Oversight

• Work closely with the Inventory Manager to manage the club’s wine inventory, ensuring accurate stock control, optimal stock levels and cellar organizations, efficient storage, and accurate tracking to minimize losses.
• Oversee supplier agreements, logistics, and storage compliance, ensuring efficient operations and adherence to procurement best practices.
• Oversee member wine storage, ensuring secure handling and premium service for private collections.
• Ensure compliance with all local (tax, duty, and licensing) regulations regarding alcohol service and procurement.
• Maintain proper documentation and operational processes for all wine-related activities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor the Inventory Manager and Head Sommelier, ensuring seamless coordination between stock management and service.
• Provide training and development opportunities for the sommelier and cellar teams, enhancing their expertise in stock management, wine service, and sales, as well as overall wine knowledge.
• Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous learning, ensuring the team delivers a world-class wine experience.
• Set KPIs and performance goals for the cellar and sommelier teams, ensuring accountability and excellence in execution.

Financial & Budget Management

• Contribute to setting and managing the wine department’s budget, ensuring financial targets are met in terms of sales, cost control, and profitability, while maintaining a world-class wine offering.
• Work with finance team to track wine sales, cost management, and stock valuation, ensuring commercial viability.
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth through premium wine offerings, and bespoke member services.
• Maintain (and implement as needed) strategic pricing, upselling, and sales initiatives to maximise profitability while maintaining exceptional value for members.
• Monitor sales trends and member preferences to adjust pricing and selection strategies accordingly.

Marketing

• Support marketing team to communicate with Members about wine at the Club, especially in newsletters and on socials
• Familiarisation with relevant software platforms (eg MailChimp, Canva)

Personal and Professional development

• Develop your own wine knowledge and experience, as well as your network within the industry, to ensure continual professional growth

An ambassador for the Club to both Members and the wider world of wine.

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