Director of Events and Hospitality

Company and Position Summary: Redwood Empire Whiskey recently acquired Savage and Cooke Distillery located in Vallejo on Mare Island. The distillery features an event and restaurant space and we are keen to develop this space into a top visitor center with tours, tastings, consumer experiences, restaurant and bar. On top of it all, it is an ideal space to host events, large and small. We're looking for the right candidate to help us create this dynamic space, drive our event strategy and outreach, and to spearhead the consumer experiences. We are thrilled to establish this historic facility as our new consumer homeplace and event center. We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Director of Events and Hospitality to join our dynamic team.This full-time position will oversee, and have responsibility for, all facets of hospitality and events including the restaurant, bar, tasting room, private events and trade events. The restaurant is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. The position is eligible for all full-time regular benefits including three weeks of PTO, 12 paid company holidays, medical, dental and vision insurance, eligibility in our 401(k) plan (plus match), as well as various company perks that include product discounts and giveaways.Key ResponsibilitiesActively promote, market and sell the distillery's private event space, restaurant and tasting/tour experience.Work closely with the Vice President of Marketing on homeplace strategies as they relate to décor and design, menu selection, cocktail offerings and homeplace branding.Manage, and collaborate with, a team of two, that includes the Manager of Hospitality, and the Kitchen Manager.Oversee and own the guest experience from start to finish.Oversee restaurant operations including working with the chef/cook on inventory, reporting, seasonal offerings, commercial kitchen needs and logistics.Oversee the bar program including inventory, reporting, vendor relationships and logistics.Oversee and own tour content and tour experience, including training employees who provide tours.Oversee and own food and catering experience for the event client.Oversee and own the hospitality budget including revenue/profit expectations and expenses.Oversee all staff and schedules for hospitality operations.In partnership with human resources, oversee and own staffing needs as they relate to hospitality.Adhere to safety procedures for the assigned work area.Have knowledge of Employee Handbook policies, especially regarding California meal and break policies.Support and assist Servers, Kitchen Manager and Hospitality Manager. Qualifications:Minimum 10 years of relevant tasting room/restaurant management experience, bar experience strongly preferred, with an emphasis in event management and sales.Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Powerpoint).Proficient in support software such as Toast and Tock Desire to lead a team and be an excellent role model for hospitality staff.Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment.Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs.Versatile, flexible, and enthusiastic to work within constantly changing environment.Strong communication skills.RBS certification and/or training preferred. Current food handlers card a plus.Ability to work weekends, as determined by the needs of the business.Ability to lift 35 lbs.Walk, bend and stand, primarily on concrete flooring.

Created: 2025-03-12