Job Purpose
At Vitamin Sea Brewing, we believe that the taproom is a key part of our success, as it is often the first experience consumers have with our brand. We are seeking an experienced, operations-minded Taproom Manager to ensure this experience is nothing short of exceptional while actively driving taproom growth.
This role ensures the smooth operation of the taproom by making sure it is appropriately staffed, that beertenders have everything they need to complete their tasks successfully, and that the environment is comfortable and universally welcoming. By optimizing daily operations, managing costs effectively, and executing brand-aligned programming, you will maximize the taproom's profitability and potential. Ultimately, the Taproom Manager ensures that our beers are served at their absolute best, unforeseen needs are addressed quickly, and every customer has a positive, inclusive experience during their visit.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Taproom Manager is responsible for the following:
- Setting the daily schedule for taproom employees a minimum of two weeks in advance.
- Hiring, training, developing, counseling, and disciplining front-of-house employees, ensuring all company standard operating procedures are followed.
- Developing and implementing standard operating procedures as they apply to the taproom, ensuring all company policies are strictly followed.
- Providing clear and on-going feedback through daily and scheduled reviews.
- Opening and closing the taproom (setting up and closing down cash drawers, ensuring the taproom is clean and ready for patrons, restocking supplies, and addressing unforeseen needs).
- Planning and executing approved special events, including necessary licensing and permitting, and providing feedback to improve future events.
- Managing the regular food truck schedule to ensure patrons have consistent, high-quality food options, coordinating catering for special events, and maintaining strong relationships with local food vendors.
- Coordinating logistics, staffing, and inventory management for offsite events, festivals, and farmer's markets to ensure our brand is represented professionally in the community.
- Analyzing taproom revenue, beer, and merchandise sales to provide profitability recommendations and drive top-line growth.
- Working towards continuous optimization of taproom operations.
- Working with the owners and marketing department to properly market the taproom.
- Maintaining accurate taproom inventory (glassware, merchandise, food items, etc.) and closely monitoring comps and waste to protect operational margins.
- Instituting controls to prevent alcohol wastage or excess pouring, and closely monitoring comps and waste to protect operational margins
- Ensuring that the beers on tap are acceptable to serve (right temperature, optimal quality, no off-smells or flavors).
- Tirelessly making sure that taproom patrons’ needs are met quickly and efficiently.
- Creating and maintaining a pleasant taproom environment (temperature, audio, video, cleanliness, conduct).
- Serving as a team leader to a staff of beertenders, and stepping in as a beertender and/or beer educator as needed.
- Guiding, championing, and empowering the front-of-house team to be advocates for their guests.
- Working with management and ownership to create and implement team-building opportunities for improved morale.
- Leading monthly staff meetings to communicate goals, changes, and progress, while actively soliciting feedback from the front-of-house staff to improve working conditions.
- Ensuring that licenses and certificates are valid and in line with current laws and regulations, and identifying any possible health regulation violations.
- Attending and contributing to weekly management and ownership meetings.
Qualifications
- Available to work full-time (45 hours per week), including nights and weekends.
- Prior bar / restaurant management experience.
- Prior taproom / bartending experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of craft beer, including a basic understanding of beer production (Cicerone Beer Server or similar certification preferred).
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
- Ability to anticipate and proactively address problems in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated leadership.
- Positive attitude and ability to work with a diverse set of people.
- Basic familiarity with tablet-based POS systems and other web-based software.
- Aptitude for and desire to learn the mechanical workings of taproom equipment in order to address problems quickly and efficiently.
- Grace under pressure.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
This position requires an individual who works under a range of circumstances, including shift work, weekend work, working with challenging patrons, working in the fast-paced environment of a crowded taproom, and working within close proximity of an operating brewery (noise, heavy equipment, odors related to the brewing process).
The Taproom Manager will likely be required to stand for extended periods of time when overseeing taproom operations and/or serving as an alternate beertender. They must be able to lift items weighing 35-55 lbs and move empty/full kegs with the help of a dolly.
Direct Reports
The following individuals will report to the Taproom Manager:
- All beertenders
- All retail associates (merchandise)
- All bussers
What Vitamin Sea Brewing Management Employees Can Expect
At Vitamin Sea Brewing, we pride ourselves on creating a superb working environment. As a member of our management team, you can expect to be:
- Compensated well and fairly based on responsibilities and performance.
- Treated with respect.
- Involved in the evolution and growth of the company.
- Informed about company decisions and performance as well as your own performance (via annual performance reviews).
- Empowered to make decisions that are in line with overall company goals.
- Trusted to execute your duties responsibly and to be an ambassador of the Vitamin Sea Brewing brand.
- Continuously challenged with increased levels of responsibility commensurate with outstanding performance.
- Valued and appreciated for your contributions.
- Promoted / rewarded for your efforts.
- Provided with mentorship and learning opportunities related to craft beer.
- Part of a culture of empathy, equity, hospitality, and positivity for team members and customers.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Shift:
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Morning shift
Work Location: In person
