0477 Liquor Lead

Purpose

To manage and control the operations of the Liquor Department, supervise Liquor Department team members and order merchandise. Ensure guest service, product quality and selection; provide knowledgeable recommendations and information on all products in the department in an easy‑to‑understand manner. Engage guests on wine, spirits or beer selections to accompany any occasion and create an enjoyable shopping experience while maximizing sales. Advise and train team members on Liquor Department basics to ensure guests are satisfied, retained and their needs fulfilled.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Build and encourage superior guest service, providing continuous attention to guest needs in a prompt, courteous and friendly manner.
• Engage in suggestive selling and other sales techniques with knowledgeable suggestions and professionalism.
• Utilize social media tools to help drive guest loyalty and sales.
• Be knowledgeable on wine regions, grapes, vineyards and vintages worldwide and offer appropriate food‑pairing suggestions.
• Be acquainted with spirits and spirit cocktails, including recipes and ingredients.
• Maintain a good knowledge of beer, party planning and familiarity with the entire store’s amenities.
• Engage in continuous education about wine, spirits and beer through ongoing training and stay current on product trends.
• Stock and rotate department products to ensure freshness and date control; restock and use supply items efficiently to eliminate waste and maintain the lowest supply cost.
• Order wine from vendors and place specialty orders for guests as necessary.
• Restock racks and build case stacks and displays for visual appeal.
• Order, receive, check and control inventory to ensure adequate quantity and quality.
• Maintain awareness of seasonal and promotional merchandising and plan orders accordingly.
• Interpret reports, complete necessary paperwork, and follow company transmittal procedures.
• Operate checkstand equipment such as cash register and scanner to process customer orders; engage in suggestive selling and bag customer orders.
• Accountable for proper cash handling procedures and accurate accounting of sales.
• Responsible for cost and quality control; prevent shrink.
• Ensure compliance with product handling, stocking, display and signing procedures.
• Encourage and maintain a safe work environment and ensure proper sanitation and visual appeal of the department.
• Ensure compliance with liquor sales laws.
• Monitor backroom inventory and space security.
• Use related equipment including box cutters, compactors, hand trucks and pallet jacks.
• Perform all job duties with honesty and integrity.
• Perform other necessary and required duties as assigned.

Skills and Physical Requirements

• Completion of required certification training program and ongoing training.
• Legal age for consumption of alcoholic beverages in the jurisdiction of employment.
• Good communication, leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to maintain composure when dealing with customers and co‑workers.
• Knowledge of types, alcohol content, uses and care of liquor department products.
• Awareness of popular drink recipes.
• Ability to lift, stand, bend and perform other physical tasks associated with stocking, receiving and inventory management.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to temperatures of 35‑40 °F while handling products in cooler and during receiving duties. The position is safety‑sensitive; tasks could affect the safety or health of the employee or others.

Pay

The pay range is $17.38 to $26.85 per hour, but not less than the local minimum wage. Starting rates vary based on location, experience, qualifications and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.
• Sick pay (accrued based on hours worked).
• PTO/Vacation pay (accrued based on hours worked).
• Paid holidays (9 days annually).
• Bereavement pay.
• Retirement benefits (pension and/or 401(k) eligibility).

Schedule

Work during peak selling periods, including weekends, evenings and holidays.