Distillery Experience Manager

Marussia Beverages USA•Columbus, OH

3d•$23 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Distillery Experience Manager hosts and runs the Watershed Distillery Homeplace day to day, including the retail bottle shop, distillery tours, events, and onsite experiences. Reporting to the Brand Manager, this role owns the guest experience and works to build loyal fans, repeat visits, and revenue from the bottle shop, tours, and events. The role is responsible for making guests feel at home, turning first-time visitors into returning fans, and managing the Homeplace as a well-run and growing part of the business. It combines hands-on hospitality and retail operations with tour and event planning, compliance, safety, and performance tracking. The position is full-time, hourly, and non-exempt, with a stated expected pay range of $23 to $27 per hour. Availability Tuesday through Saturday, including some evenings, is required.

Requirements

2 to 4 years of experience in hospitality, retail, a tasting room, a taproom, or events, including at least 1 year supervising staff.
A track record of building loyal guests or regulars through outstanding hospitality.
Experience with POS systems, cash handling, and inventory.
Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
Must be 21 or older.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Ability to lift cases of product and stand for long periods.
Availability Tuesday through Saturday, including some evenings.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of craft spirits and cocktail culture.
Distillery, winery, or brewery tasting room experience.
Responsible alcohol service training, such as TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol.
Experience with booking, event, or retail software.
Event planning and execution experience.

Responsibilities

Own the guest experience from greeting guests through follow-up, build relationships with regulars, and encourage repeat visits and brand advocacy.
Run the retail bottle shop, including hand-selling, merchandising, POS and cash handling, inventory counts, ordering, and limited and lottery releases.
Open and close the bottle shop and reconcile cash.
Lead distillery tours and tastings, and manage tour schedules, bookings, guest communications, and guest flow.
Plan and deliver onsite events and experiences, including tastings, release days, private events, and barrel picks, from planning and budgeting through setup, delivery, and follow-up, in line with the Watershed brand calendar.
Ensure sales, sampling, and events comply with Ohio Division of Liquor Control rules, including purchase and sample limits, ID checks, and responsible service.
Keep the space safe, clean, and ready for guests.
Track bottle shop sales, tour and event attendance, and guest feedback; provide weekly reporting and share results and ideas with the Brand Manager.
Follow up with guests and groups after visits and events.
Coordinate local partnerships and community events with the Brand Manager.
Provide photos and event details for social media and email promotion.
Set hospitality standards and coach the team to deliver them.