Wine & Spirits Assistant Department Manager

Festival Foods • Eau Claire, WI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Wine & Spirits Assistant Manager, you’ll bring your enthusiasm and expertise to a leadership role where you help the Department Manager guide a team of associates in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Whether you have a background as a bartender, team lead, or retail customer service professional, this role offers the opportunity to grow your skills in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment. You’ll support the Wine & Spirits Department Manager by mentoring team members, sharing product knowledge, and helping guests discover new favorites—from craft beers to fine wines and premium spirits. Your ability to make personalized recommendations and foster a welcoming atmosphere will make you a key part of our success.

Requirements

• High School Education or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be at least 21 years of age in order to sample products sold in the wine and spirits department.
• Understands being in a leadership role and how to motivate a team of individuals.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business and wine and spirits department operations is strongly preferred.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with customers and all personnel.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions in the absence of the Wine and Spirits Department Manager.
• Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to handle a diverse crew in a stressful environment.
• Thorough understanding of all safety requirements and company safety policies.
• Must possess the ability to apply on-the-job safety training to recognize and react to possible safety hazards on store premises.
• Also requires proper training and knowledge of the following equipment/procedures: hand jack, baler, forklift, pallet jack, trash compactor, proper lifting techniques, and proper scanning techniques.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Mentor & Coach : Reinforce Festival’s culture and service standards while guiding associates in daily operations and guest interactions.
• Grow the Team : Assist the Department Manager in hiring, training, and developing associates, including delivering feedback, reviews and coaching for advancement.
• Finalize the Schedule : Finalize and approve weekly work schedules to ensure coverage.
• Support Operations : Monitor inventory levels, pricing accuracy, and department standards to keep everything running smoothly.
• Be the Go-To Expert : Answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure associates are knowledgeable about liquor, wine, spirits, and beer.
• Deliver Guest Service : Help guests find products, take special orders, and resolve concerns with professionalism and care.
• Lead by Example : Work alongside your team, assist with daily tasks, stocking merchandise, and maintain a clean, organized department.
• Collaborate : Partner with vendors, department managers, and team members to exceed guest expectations.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Support the Team: Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.

Benefits

• Associate Discount: Enjoy an industry-leading 15% off your grocery purchases for you and your immediate household!.
• Weekly Pay & Premium Pay: Hourly associates are paid weekly, providing more frequent access to their funds. Part-time store associates are paid a $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays. Hourly full-time store associates receive time and a half on Sundays and select holidays.
• Two-Week Advanced Scheduling: Better Planning. Better Balance. We provide our associates with their schedules two weeks in advance, offering greater predictability & flexibility.
• Vision & Dental Insurance: Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for vision insurance and two dental coverage options that are designed to fit your needs.
• Support: Our associates receive support for their total well-being; including 3 weeks of paid parental leave, a fitness reimbursement program offering savings off of fitness membership fees; our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and LEAPCare Care Coaches, which provide associates confidential care related to hospital visitation, conflict resolution, stress management, marriage or divorce, family issues and depression or anxiety.
• Save for Your Future: Offering a 401(k), we’re proud to support our associates in planning for retirement. The 401(k) plan empowers associates to save a portion of their paychecks for retirement. Festival Foods has an annual discretionary match to help our associates reach their savings goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees