Taproom Manager - Iowa City

Big Grove Brewery•Iowa City, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Taproom Manager oversees the daily operations of a high-volume, full-service taproom, ensuring amazing guest experiences, efficient team management, and smooth execution services—all while maintaining a welcoming environment that reflects Big Grove’s culture and brand.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be of legal age to serve and bartend per state law
Valid alcohol server/seller certification (as required by state law)
Leadership: Inspires and leads a team with clarity, accountability, and enthusiasm.
Guest Focus: Prioritizes customer experience
Communication: Excellent communication with staff, leadership, and guests.
Decision-Making: Able to make timely and sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Organization: Strong time management, delegation, and operational planning skills.
Adaptability: Comfortable managing change and remaining flexible during peak business fluctuations.
Standing & Walking: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (8+ hours), including moving between bar, kitchen, and dining areas frequently during shifts.
Lifting & Carrying: Regularly required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (e.g., beer kegs, cases, supplies).
Reaching & Stooping: Frequent reaching, bending, kneeling, and stooping to access storage, clean equipment, or stock inventory.
Manual Dexterity: Must have strong hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for operating POS systems, pouring drinks, and handling small tools or glassware.
Communication: Clear verbal communication is essential in a loud, fast-paced environment.
Sensory Demands: Must be able to visually inspect drinks/food for quality and consistency and work in a noisy, dynamic space with frequent customer interaction.
Pace & Stamina: High level of stamina required to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment—especially during peak hours, weekends, and special events.
Evening and weekends are a key requirement.

Nice To Haves

1 year of related management experience preferred
Strong knowledge of craft beer, cocktails, and food service best practices preferred

Responsibilities

Deliver consistent amazing guest experiences through excellent service standards
Handle guest complaints with professionalism and proactive problem-solving.
Ensure that all food and beverages are served according to Big Grove standards
Train and manage front-of-house (FOH) staff including bartenders, servers, hosts, and support staff.
Coach staff to uphold company values, performance standards, and guest service expectations.
Communicate expectations and hold team accountable to those expectations
Pre shifts every day! Let your team know the game plan every shift.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety throughout the taproom.
Oversee daily opening and closing procedures.
Manage inventory and ordering of beverages, bar supplies, and front-of-house materials.
Monitor product freshness and ensure tap line cleanliness and keg rotation.
Monitor and manage labor costs, COGS, and other operational expenses.
Execute daily cash handling, POS management, and sales reconciliation.
Work with the leadership team to develop and implement promotions, events, and sales strategies.
Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local health and alcohol laws.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation related to employee certifications and licenses.
Conduct regular safety checks and support a proactive approach to workplace safety.
Be a high performing Big Grove team member with ability to look at business as a whole, communicate with all people, collaborate with all departments, work to solve organizational problems, and accomplish goals. Contribute to and exemplify Big Grove values, vision, standards, and culture.