Wine & Spirits Department Manager

We are a Wisconsin grocer committed to giving back to the communities we serve and providing guests with exceptional service and value. We operate over 40 full-service supermarkets across Wisconsin. At Festival, people are at the top of our list—evident in our daily interactions, guest treatment, and extensive associate benefits and programs.

About the role

As a Wine & Spirits Department Manager, you’ll lead a team of knowledgeable associates who provide thoughtful product recommendations and create an enjoyable shopping experience for every guest. Your leadership, operational skills, and focus on service excellence will make an impact daily.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop your team by coaching, mentoring, and supporting Wine & Spirits associates while reinforcing Festival culture, customer service standards, and performance expectations.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide guidance to help associates succeed.
• Hire and onboard associates by partnering with Human Resources to review and interview candidates, extend job offers, and ensure thorough training—helping them become experts in beer, wine, and liquor selections.
• Plan and manage schedules by approving weekly schedules and maintaining adequate staffing levels to meet department needs while controlling labor expenses.
• Support associate growth by mentoring Assistant Department Managers and Department Leads to prepare them for future advancement opportunities.
• Oversee department operations, including managing inventory, pricing accuracy, and product rotation to ensure the department is well-stocked, organized, and profitable. Assist associates with stocking and rotating beer, wine, and liquor.
• Deliver exceptional guest service by helping guests find the perfect beer, wine, or liquor for their occasion, offering pairing suggestions, and providing insights. Handle special orders and resolve concerns with professionalism and care.
• Maintain merchandising standards by observing the sales floor and back stock conditions daily, correcting issues, and ensuring attractive, organized displays that highlight seasonal or trending products.
• Ensure timekeeping accuracy by monitoring associate hours, communicating issues to HR, and ensuring payroll records are accurate.
• Maintain department cleanliness and safety by leading by example in keeping work areas, shelving, and the sales floor organized, clean, and compliant with all safety requirements.
• Honor commitments with regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and provide adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Support the team by assisting with other duties as assigned to ensure overall store success.

Requirements

• High School education or equivalent.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Knowledge of retail food and beverage operations, including beer, wine, and liquor management. Experience in restaurants or bartending is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong decision-making skills and operational focus.
• Understanding of all safety requirements and company policies.
• Proper training and application of training in relevant equipment, including the ability to safely operate hand jacks, balers, forklifts, hand trucks, and trash compactors.
• Knowledge of proper lifting techniques and scanning procedures.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand in place for long periods of time; walk in the store; 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.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods of time.
• Functional sensory abilities to visually monitor the store, create attractive displays, and operate equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to extreme temperatures.

Schedule

The Wine and Spirits Department Manager is a full-time position. The work schedule will include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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. Part-time store associates receive 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: Schedules are provided two weeks in advance for better planning and balance.
• Vision & Dental Insurance: Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for vision insurance and two dental coverage options.
• Support Programs: Includes 3 weeks of paid parental leave, a fitness reimbursement program, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and LEAPCare Coaches for confidential support related to hospital visitation, conflict resolution, stress management, and more.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Festival Foods offers a 401(k) with an annual discretionary match to help associates reach their savings goals.