Tyler x Lieu Dit is seeking a Wine Bar Manager to lead operations at our wine bar and tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara. This role is ideal for a hospitality professional who thrives in an intimate, service-focused environment, balancing the art of warm, engaging hospitality with the precision of operational excellence.
About Us
Tyler x Lieu Dit is a wine bar and tasting room showcasing two distinct yet complementary wine brands: Tyler, focused on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and Lieu Dit, dedicated to Loire Valley varieties grown on California’s Central Coast. Inspired by European wine culture, we aim to create an inviting space for both locals and visitors, offering curated wine experiences alongside thoughtful food pairings.
The Role
As Wine Bar Manager, you will oversee the daily operations of our wine bar, ensuring exceptional service, driving sales, managing a small team, and supporting private events. You will be instrumental in fostering a hospitality culture that blends education, warmth, and seamless execution, making every guest feel like they’ve discovered something special.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest Experience & Service Excellence: Lead front-of-house operations, ensuring a consistently welcoming and engaging atmosphere. Work with the Director of Hospitality to train staff to deliver an outstanding guest experience, emphasizing education, hospitality, and storytelling.
- Operations & Inventory Management: Oversee the wine bar service, manage reservations, maintain inventory, and ensure seamless POS and cash handling procedures.
- Sales & Wine Club Engagement: Proactively drive wine sales, wine club sign-ups, and repeat business through relationship-building and thoughtful guest interactions.
- Private Events & Hospitality Programming: Assist with inquiries, coordinate logistics, and execute private tastings, wine dinners, and special events in collaboration with our team.
- Staff Leadership & Training: Hire, train, and mentor a small team of wine and service professionals. Maintain a culture of excellence, accountability, and enthusiasm.
- Marketing & Community Engagement: Support social media efforts, email marketing, and local outreach to drive awareness and engagement with the wine bar.
- Compliance & Best Practices: Ensure adherence to ABC regulations, food safety, labor laws, and all daily operational standards.
Who We’re Looking For
- A seasoned hospitality professional with experience in wine bars, tasting rooms, or upscale restaurants.
Passionate about wine, food, and genuine hospitality, with a strong knowledge of either Santa Barbara wines or the world of wine and a desire to share that knowledge.
- A strong leader and team builder, capable of fostering an inspiring and accountable work environment.
- Adaptable and hands-on, willing to jump in wherever needed to ensure an exceptional guest experience.
Preferred Experience & Skills
- Minimum 2+ years of hospitality lead or management experience (wine bar, tasting room, restaurant, or similar).
- Strong wine knowledge (certifications like WSET or CMS are a plus but not required).
- Experience managing POS, reservations, and CRM systems (Tock, Square, Commerce7, etc.).
- Proven ability to drive sales, wine club memberships, and customer engagement.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and events.
Compensation & Benefits
- $70,000 - $80,000 annual salary
- Performance-based incentives
- Membership enrollment incentives
- Employer sponsored health insurance
- 401K Retirement Plan
- Paid time off
Join Us
This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of one of Santa Barbara’s most dynamic wine destinations. If you are a hospitality leader with a love for wine and a passion for creating exceptional experiences, we’d love to meet you.
To apply, send your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and why you’re a great fit for the role to [email protected]