Wine Director

Cleveland, OH, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Paid sick time

Paid Time Off

Vision Insurance

Job Description

The opportunity is set within a dynamic and sophisticated new steakhouse located in Cleveland, Ohio, specifically at 2104 Superior Avenue. Housed within a historic building, this establishment boasts an ambiance that melds exposed brickwork, architectural beams, and dramatic wine displays with a design philosophy centered around luxury, exclusivity, and sophistication. This restaurant is not simply about serving food; it aims to become a top-tier destination dining experience where exceptional cuisine meets world-class wine, exemplary hospitality, and a captivating atmosphere designed to create unforgettable evenings for its guests. Operating exclusively during dinner service, the venue is open seven days a week and demands a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and key event dates.

The role offered is that of a Wine Director, a critical leadership position tasked with shaping and elevating the wine program from inception through ongoing evolution. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Wine Director will be a prominent figure within the management team and will have substantial influence over the restaurant’s operational and guest-facing endeavors. Unlike conventional wine roles that focus strictly on back-of-house duties, this position demands a candidate who is passionate about guest interaction, hospitality, and delivering personalized experiences by engaging patrons directly on the floor.

The Wine Director will oversee the curation and maintenance of an outstanding wine list that balances luxury and accessibility, with a program atmosphere that is energized and refined. The responsibility extends beyond wine curation to encompass inventory control, staff education, marketing activations, and event programming. With the organization’s commitment to creating one of Ohio’s premier wine programs, the candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering a wine experience that is not only luxurious but approachable and deeply integrated into the overall dining journey. The position requires a hands-on leader who excels at staff mentorship, operational efficiency, guest education, and innovative programming in wine presentation and sales. Success in this role is measured by the development of a vibrant wine culture, the ongoing excitement and profitability of the wine offerings, and the establishment of a highly regarded presence within the restaurant and the broader dining community in Ohio.

Job Requirements

5+ years progressive experience in wine leadership within upscale restaurants, steakhouses, luxury hospitality, or hotels
Minimum WSET Level 2 Certification
Strong communication skills
Exceptional floor presence and guest interaction abilities
Physical ability to lift 30 lbs, stand and walk for long periods, and conduct cellar work
Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and key events
Proven experience managing wine inventory and supplier relationships
Experience in developing and executing wine programs
Leadership skills for mentoring and training staff

Job Qualifications

5+ years progressive wine leadership in upscale restaurants, steakhouses, luxury hospitality, or hotels preferred
Minimum WSET Level 2 Certification required
WSET Level 3 or equivalent advanced certification strongly preferred
Strong passion for wine, hospitality, and guest engagement
Strong understanding of wine inventory management, cellar organization, vendor relationships, and cost controls
Demonstrated ability to balance hospitality, creativity, operational execution, and profitability
Strong communication skills and exceptional floor presence
Ability to lift 30 lbs, stand and walk for extended periods, and perform hands-on cellar work
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and major events

Job Duties

Maintain a strong and visible floor presence during service and special events
Engage directly with guests by presenting wines, guiding pairings, storytelling, and creating elevated dining experiences
Partner with service staff to maximize wine sales while ensuring wine feels approachable, exciting, and integrated into the overall guest experience
Serve as one of the primary hospitality leaders on property, helping oversee service execution and daily floor operations
Create memorable moments for guests through tableside presentations, premium pours, and personalized recommendations
Curate, maintain, and continuously evolve a premier wine list featuring both luxury and approachable offerings
Develop seasonal wine rotations, premium by-the-glass programs, champagne features, and Coravin offerings
Build strong relationships with distributors and wine partners to secure sought-after and allocated wines
Ensure the wine program reflects the concept’s brand identity while balancing profitability and guest accessibility
Introduce unique and engaging selections that keep the wine program fresh and exciting
Maintain wine cost percentage within target range (28-32%)
Inventory variance under 2-3%
Completion and ongoing participation in staff wine training
Program growth that builds one of Ohio’s premier wine lists
Oversee organization and management of the wine cellar and wine display systems throughout the property
Develop and maintain coding, storage, and inventory systems that allow for efficient bottle retrieval and proper vintage tracking
Ensure proper bottle rotation and vintage selection standards are consistently maintained
Maintain accurate inventory counts, ordering systems, reporting, and purchasing controls
Minimize variances and maintain wine costs in alignment with financial targets and operational budgets
Lead ongoing wine education, tastings, certifications, and pre-shift trainings for staff
Help create a culture where wine knowledge is approachable, engaging, and integrated into the overall guest experience
Mentor and develop staff confidence in wine service, storytelling, and pairing recommendations
Support service standards and team accountability across front-of-house operations
Partner with leadership on wine dinners, tastings, private events, and guest activations
Assist in developing creative programming that drives guest engagement and brand awareness
Collaborate with affiliated hospitality concepts and event teams on wine selections and event execution when needed
Support marketing initiatives tied to the wine program and overall guest experience