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