General Manager – Highland at The S&W Market
Highland Brewing Company
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Some Quick Facts about Highland Brewing
- Quality beer – always
- Proudly regional - we distribute only in the Southeast
- Pioneers - First legal brewery in Asheville since Prohibition
- Largest native NC brewer
- We honor features of the Southern Appalachian landscape with seasonal beers, a hike, and a fund-raising release party for each seasonal beer – all in partnership with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
- 5th largest female-led craft brewery in the US
- 6th largest craft brewing solar array in the US
Sustainability Efforts
Our largest effort was our solar array. Under peak conditions the system can create up to 324 kW DC - more power than we can use on sunny days. The expansive roof is now about half covered by panels and is in full view from the rooftop bar.
- Beautiful 16-foot white oak bar tops in the Event Center were harvested from our property.
- 6th largest solar array of all independent, craft breweries in the USA
- 22nd largest brewery solar array in the world
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The S&W Market is Asheville North Carolina’s first food hall and will include 5 food kiosks, independently operated, in addition to Highland’s main level bar kiosk and mezzanine level grand bar. Located in a historic building in the heart of downtown Asheville, Highland at the S&W Market represents the sole outpost for our 27-year-old brewery.
This job has two distinct parts:
About two months prior to opening, the Manager is responsible to prepare for and successfully launch Highland’s bar operations at the S&W Market in alignment with Highland’s brand standards creating a complimentary destination to Highland’s east Asheville brewery taproom.
After opening, the Manager is responsible for oversight of Highland’s bar operations at the S&W Market maintaining excellent customer service while delivering business leadership and consistency aligned with the Highland brand – high quality, lively, enthusiastic, authentic, forward-thinking.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Open Highland at the S&W Market
- Manage vendors needed to launch bar operations at the S&W including costing and budgeting
- Collaborate with the Hospitality Director to create systems for service in alignment with the S&W Market owners and other food hall partners
- Oversee purchase of opening barware, menus, and other supplies specific to the S&W location
- Assist with developing and maintaining a hospitality training manual specific to S&W location
- Oversee hiring, onboarding and training of new hires specific to the S&W location
- Oversee permitting specific to bar operations for Highland 2 bars at the S&W Market
- Assist in developing the operational budget to meet all bar-related financial goals (supplies, beverage, labor, revenue, margins) while identifying course corrections and new opportunities)
- Create the opening POS system including device procurement and menu creation
Manage 2 bars (upper and lower) at Highland at the S&W Market
- Sells and serves HBC products in only a responsible, professional, and first-class manner
- Demonstrate and enforce Highland’s service standards to maintain a positive, collaborative work environment and promotes Highland’s inclusive cultural environment
- Manage and schedule Highland at S&W hospitality staff appropriately and effectively
- Responsible for Highland at S&W hospitality staff biweekly timecard approvals
- Schedules regular staff meetings and maintains clear and consistent communication with staff
- Develop sales initiatives and upsell opportunities for team execution to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded and guests are inspired to take Highland goods home
- Oversee the merchandise area to ensure a highly visible, profitable, on-brand retail experience with competitive pricing and organized inventory
- Builds relationships with all food vendors and ensures cross-training
- Provides food vendors with new and limited release beer information
- Ensures bar staff is familiar with all food offerings and suggested pairings
- Assesses potential liabilities and security in upper and lower bars and works with local ALE and law enforcement to ensure compliance
- Oversees reconciliation of money, including protocols for staff and a corrective-action system when funds are not properly reconciled
- Responsible for draft inventory - Works with Distribution in planning beer orders and arrivals at S&W, likely multiple times a week
- Collaborate with the Bar Operations Coordinator to manage year-round, seasonal, and small batch beer inventory, beer release schedules, wine and non-Highland beverage offerings
- Responsible for ordering glassware, bar supplies, menus, and service equipment
- Ensure preventive maintenance and proper treatment of every aspect of the bars - coolers, draft systems, ice, water, bathrooms,
- Facilitate quarterly inventory accurately and efficiently
- Analyze revenue and expenses to accurately report pacing to Hospitality Director
- Oversee beer releases and special events that elevate our beer and engage the community
- Show mastery in POS software and retail operating systems including menu updates
- Serve as manager on duty (MOD) during public open hours, as needed, and proactively monitor daily service recognizing opportunities for the growth of Highland’s guest experience
- Guide guests through Highland’s array of craft beer in accordance with brand standards
- Anticipate guest needs proactively and conscientiously in a dynamic environment which may include bar service, selling merchandise, clearing/cleaning tables, and serving guests at tables
- Maintain knowledge of the Highland brand story, beer styles, brewery amenities, and family history to educate and communicate our mission and vision to guests
- Actively engage with downtown Asheville businesses, associations, hotels and tourism resources to partner, collaborate and encourage visitors to seek out Highland at the S&W Market
- Perform other duties as needed and assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or comparable field required
Experience:
- Experience with leading the preparation of opening a new bar or similar full-service hospitality establishment is a must
- Three years of bar management is required and experience in a craft brewery is preferred
- Enthusiasm for craft beer and delivering an incredible guest experience is required
- Experience working in hospitality under North Carolina COVID requirements is preferred
Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must be at least 21 years of age in accordance with NC ABC laws
- Understand and adhere to NC alcohol laws and permits specific to Highland at the S&W
- Ability to manage cash and other Highland assets
- Working knowledge of draft and refrigeration systems, line cleaning procedures, general maintenance and repair of those systems
- Ability to maintain trustworthy and honest relationships
- Ability to complete projects in a cost-efficient manner
- Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative in delivering exceptional guest service with pride
- Pleasant yet assertive personality with the ability to work with all types of people
- Open minded and flexible with the ability to adapt quickly with new skills and procedures
- Excellent time management with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Teams and Excel
- Cicerone server level one certification required within one year of employment
Working Conditions:
As this position is working in a bar environment within a historic building, the physical demands of this role include, but are not limited to:
- Standing for long periods of time and using stairs often
- Bending, twisting, reaching overhead, lifting up to 30lbs frequently & up to 50lbs occasionally
- Working with cleaning chemicals
- Working in both indoor and outdoor service areas with inclement weather at times