Wine & Spirits Assistant Department Manager

Festival Foods•Mauston, WI

About The Position

The Wine & Spirits Assistant Department Manager supports the Wine and Spirits Department Manager in leading associates and delivering exceptional guest experiences. The role involves mentoring team members, sharing product knowledge, helping guests discover products, and contributing to a welcoming, guest-focused department. The assistant manager helps oversee daily operations, including hiring and training, scheduling, inventory, pricing, department standards, guest service, and collaboration with vendors and other teams. The position is full-time in Mauston, Wisconsin, and the schedule includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be at least 21 years old to sample products sold in the wine and spirits department.
Understand leadership and how to motivate a team.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with customers and personnel.
Ability to make timely and effective decisions when the Wine and Spirits Department Manager is absent.
Good oral and written communication skills and ability to handle a diverse crew in a stressful environment.
Thorough understanding of safety requirements and company safety policies.
Ability to apply on-the-job safety training to recognize and respond to potential hazards on store premises.
Proper training and knowledge of hand jack, baler, forklift, pallet jack, trash compactor, proper lifting techniques, and proper scanning techniques.
Ability to stand in place for long periods, walk in the store, and bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
Fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination to operate equipment.
Full range of upper-body motion to occasionally lift stock and ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods.
Functional sensory abilities to visually monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in conditions with occasional exposure to extreme temperatures.

Nice To Haves

Thorough knowledge of the retail food business and wine and spirits department operations is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Reinforce Festival’s culture and service standards while mentoring and guiding associates in daily operations and guest interactions.
Assist the Department Manager with hiring, training, and developing associates, including providing feedback, reviews, and coaching for advancement.
Finalize and approve weekly work schedules to ensure department coverage.
Monitor inventory levels, pricing accuracy, and department standards.
Answer questions and guide associates to build their knowledge of liquor, wine, spirits, and beer.
Help guests find products, take special orders, and resolve concerns professionally.
Work alongside the team on daily tasks, merchandise stocking, and maintaining a clean, organized department.
Collaborate with vendors, department managers, and team members to exceed guest expectations.
Attend work regularly and on time according to the schedule, and provide adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

15% associate discount on grocery purchases for the associate and immediate household.
Weekly pay for hourly associates.
Premium pay for hourly store associates on Sundays and select holidays.
Schedules provided two weeks in advance.
Vision insurance.
Two dental coverage options.
Three weeks of paid parental leave.
Fitness reimbursement program.
Employee Assistance Program and LEAPCare Care Coaches offering confidential support.
401(k) plan with an annual discretionary company match.