Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Management & Administration)
Full Time
Karen MacNeil & Company LLC
St. Helena,
California
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Manage all aspects of the operations of a leading wine communications company, working closely with the company’s principal, Karen MacNeil.
ABOUT KAREN MACNEIL & COMPANY LLC:
Karen MacNeil & Company LLC is a wine consulting and communications firm owned and operated by Karen MacNeil. Karen MacNeil is one of the foremost wine experts in the United States and is the author of the bestselling book, The Wine Bible. The company is devoted to products and services in wine journalism, events, education, and consulting for a wide range of clients.
THE COMPANY'S ACTIVITIES:
Wine events for leading corporations; educational seminars on wine; media projects; wine communications products and services; writing projects about wine; research projects, and extensive social media activity.
PURPOSE OF ROLE:
The Operations Manager is a critical linchpin in the effectiveness and efficiency of Karen MacNeil & Company. This is a fast-paced office. The ideal candidate will be smart, quick, a good writer and polished communicator, attentive to detail, and superbly organized. The position requires a person who is a self-starter and who knows how to “take the next step” to initiate success. Intermediate or higher level of wine knowledge is important.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Events and Seminars: Outreach to prospective new clients. Help plan and organize wine events and seminars including venue management, travel arrangements, wine procurement and all planning details.
• Projects and Clients: Manage and organize many concurrent projects and clients. Keep thorough records and files. Help KM in the development of new business.
• Media, Book, and Education Products: Assist with the development, maintenance, and marketing of KM&Co products and services.
• Office and Administration: Schedule management, supplies management, “right hand” assistant to KM with general running of office.
• Assist with the digital newsletter WineSpeed as needed.
• Conduct research on wine and wine industry topics under KM’s direction.
• Assist with the company websites as needed, ensure that inquiries are handled immediately.
• Create innovative PowerPoint presentations under KM’s direction.
• Work with KM and the company’s social media manager to plan, create and execute posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linked-In.
• Be willing to step up and become involved in new KM&Co ventures and products.
• Plan, organize and participate in office wine tastings, including outreach to distributors and producers.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
This position is unique, and thus there is no typical past employment history which the candidate must possess. However, listed below are examples of the skills, knowledge, and experience a well-qualified candidate would have.
• Bachelor’s degree
• Superior organizational skills
• High intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks a plus
• Event organization and client relationship management experience
• Marketing experience
• Creative and strategic thinking
• Superior writing
• Intermediate or greater wine knowledge
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in social media applications
• An entrepreneurial frame of mind and a team player
• The ability to work independently, work quickly, demonstrate versatility and flexibility
• A “do what it takes” attitude, plus the ability to handle multiple projects, and changing priorities and workloads with enthusiasm
• The ability to smoothly and quickly handle office administration and keep the office running efficiently
• The ability to interact with a wide variety of contacts and clients, from corporate executives to support service personnel
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Small office suites on Main St. in downtown St. Helena. Noise level: low. Environment: private and quiet without a lot of busy social interaction.
Physical demands: must be able to lift/carry a case of wine (approximately 35 lbs.) and to unpack wine samples.
REPORTS TO:
Directly to Karen MacNeil
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Compensation: Competitive
Benefits: After initial three-month period, possible move to full-time with paid holidays, and vacation. Medical benefits based on insurance company requirements.
