Chief Wine Officer
(Wine Jobs:
Wine Retail & Sommelier)
Full Time
California Wine Exchange
Los Angeles,
California
New startup concept in wine retail/hospitality is seeking a Chief Wine Officer.
The California Wine Exchange is offering a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a venture that is looking to change the game for wine consumers, and we seek a leader that can be an integral part of shaping that vision.
The California Wine Exchange is a retail/hospitality hybrid concept that offers patrons tastings, wine by the glass, and by the bottle in a casual but sensory engaging environment in urban & suburban areas.
The right candidate will be able to write their own ticket if you can accept the following: 1) you will be required to be part of investor presentations, and 2) you understand that this is a non-salaried position until we begin operations. If you can work with that, you will not be an employee...but a fully-fledged partner with ownership, profit sharing, and of course, a salary. However, the real reward will be the opportunity to separate yourself from the pack and create your legacy in the world of wine.
Responsibilities:
-Training & continued education of all management and employees in knowledge of wine & viticulture.
-Develop & oversee tasting programs and events for multiple CWE locations.
-Seek & develop new relationships with vintners & winemakers throughout California.
-Procurement of inventory.
-Develop & oversee wine club selections, operations, and fulfillment.
-Travel throughout California to cultivate relationships with winemakers.
-Consult on hiring location managers.
-Work with CEO on ongoing evolution of our strategic vision.
-Work with our Marketing Manager to promote macro & micro marketing opportunities.
-Create content for social media.
-Be our primary ambassador.
Candidates should possess the following qualities:
-A passion for wine.
-A Positive Mental Attitude amongst subordinates and peers alike.
-Exceptional business acumen: people skills, employee relationships, inventory, expenses, negotiations, etc.
-Project management skills to oversee execution of multiple tasting programs at multiple locations.
-WSET and/or CMS certification.
-Extensive experience in one or more of the following: hospitality, tasting room management, Direct-to-Consumer sales, and/or retail sales ...all with verifiable track record.
-Understanding of the Three-Tier System, and comprehensive knowledge of buying direct from winemakers.
-Exceptional knowledge of viticulture, California wine, California AVAs & sub-AVAs (official and unofficial).
-Existing relationships with vintners, winemakers, wholesalers, and brokers.
-Willingness to travel up & down California.
-Ability to lift & carry 50lbs (yes, you may very well still have to roll up your sleeves from time to time).
Desired Candidate Attributes:
-A preference to “share” their wine knowledge rather than “teach.” There is a difference.
-Inspires those around her or him.
-Adaptability, capability and willingness to take on more that you think you can.
-Others refer to you as a “natural leader.”
-A love for California in general.
-A craving to leave your mark in the world of wine.
Up to $100k
