Wine Buyer & Manager
About the Role
Kahn's Fine Wines & Spirits — Indianapolis's premier independent wine and spirits destination — is seeking an experienced Wine Buyer & Manager to lead our wine department. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is genuinely passionate about wine and loves connecting customers with something they'll love.
We're a team-first shop. You'll own the wine department, but great teammates here go beyond their lane — you'll occasionally lend a hand to spirits and beer when the floor calls for it.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Sell with passion — guide customers to wines they'll love, not what moves the most margin
- Order product for the store by negotiating the best prices available from vendors
- Maintain strong, professional relationships with all reps and suppliers; take efficient, productive meetings
- Manage inventory levels to meet demand, track trends, and make smart reorder decisions (if Pinot Noir is flying off the shelves, order more)
- Oversee inventory accuracy — resolve discrepancies, manage negative inventory, and obtain samples or replacement bottles as needed
- Organize and maintain the walk-in cellar
- Own all wine department signage — whether you create it yourself or delegate it
- Stock shelves, build displays, and use a lift to put cases away
- Analyze sales data and develop strategies to grow the department
- Coach and train the broader sales staff on wine knowledge so customers get great guidance whether you're on the floor or not
- Partner with the Marketing Manager on campaigns, promotions, and floor displays
- Plan and execute monthly in-store and off-site wine tasting events
- Resolve customer problems and complaints with professionalism
Qualifications
- 1–3 years of wine sales or wine retail experience required
- CSW and/or CSS certification preferred
- Thorough knowledge of domestic and imported wines
- Strong selling and customer service skills
- Ability to manage a department budget and make data-informed inventory decisions
- Comfortable with physical requirements: stocking, building displays, and using a lift
- Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, confident decisions on the floor
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- High school diploma required; additional education or certifications a plus
Compensation & Benefits
- Substantial performance bonus program
- Employee discount
- 401(k) opportunity
Kahn's Fine Wines & Spirits is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- What is your favorite wine appellation?
- What is your favorite cocktail?
- What style of beer do you prefer?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Retail sales: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Alcohol Beverage Permit (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Indianapolis, IN 46220 (Required)
Work Location: In person
