Job Title: Events Manager

Department : Events Department

Directly Reports to: Director of DTC Sales and Hospitality

Work Environment

Since 1858, Bundschu Company has embodied the belief that quality wine need not be divided from experience, but that one enhances--and connects--the other. Since then, the multigenerational company has grown an intentionally small portfolio of wineries and brands that each uniquely embody that spirit, including Gundlach Bundschu, Abbot's Passage, GUNBUN, Bundschu Winery & Vineyard Services, and Huichica Music Festival. Bundschu Company honors the family's legacy and quest for the future by cultivating a diverse group of brands at the intersection of top tier wine and experiences, investing in innovation and sustainable practices, and championing the next generation of diverse leaders. For more information, please visit www.bundschu.com

We strive to create a working environment that inspires personal and professional growth and a business that affords a meaningful and enriching lifestyle to all its participants. We hire people of any race, gender or sexual orientation who have fun pushing themselves to perform at the highest levels, every day. We are open minded people with integrity who do the right thing and act the right way, whether or not anyone is looking. We are looking for hard working, smart thinking, motivated, innovative, and collaborative individuals who value our legacy and are ambitious enough to create one of their own.

Nature of Role & Responsibilities

The Events Manager is responsible for leading and managing the Events Department to provide the highest level of guest experience, across all BCo brands and types of events.

This manager will provide exceptional leadership, motivating their team to execute company strategies and exceed goals, while providing financial, operational and tactical support. This position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy between private consumer events and internal support events, with the goal of maximizing ROI, departmental efficiency, brand building and customer retention.

The person for this position should have experience planning and executing both robust, large-scale events and along with intimate, elevated private gatherings. Winery Event Management experience and strong passion and knowledge of wine highly preferred.

Essential Duties:

Departmental Strategy

• Drive financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting for the Event teams. Track and report on results as needed for management and for staff.
• Drive operational excellence by tightly managing all costs associated with executing the business
• Review daily/monthly financials to ensure that properties are operating in-line with budget, including staffing levels
• Prepare Event P&L’s pre and post events, ensuring bookings are profitable and aligning with overarching company strategy
• Actively participate in professional development groups such as WCSEP, BAND, ILEA, along with DMC outreach, building new relationships and fostering existing

Event Sales and Customer Relations

• Responsible for leading event sales at both Gundlach Bundschu and Abbot’s Passage
• Facilitate VIP Trade bookings to support National Sales and team
• Plan and execute internal events such as wine club events, company events, and family events on or off-site with support to concerts
• Duties include:
  1. Timely response to all inquiries – 24 hours or less, during business hours
  2. Complete pre-event P&L to assess profitability and viability of event
  3. Contract negotiation with clients; provide estimates in a timely manner.
  4. Facilitate communication before, during and post event with winemaking, tasting room and facilities departments.
  5. Conduct pre-planning meetings to develop timelines, product lists, theme, and all logistical needs.
  6. Prepare event recap and produce actual profit/loss results by event. Provide analysis and written summaries evaluating all events managed along with future opportunities for improvement.
• For all other departmental events, provide support and fiscal guidance to Event Lead.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Create and maintain master departmental SOP’s to ensure hospitality and operational standards are being met
• Maintain monthly inventory of wine and merchandise in event spaces
• Manage staff scheduling and coordinate participation of tasting room staff in event functions with the Tasting Room Manager.
• Responsible for timely weekly timecard approval and Tips/Service Fee calculations.
• Perform departmental financial requirements, including reviewing and coding of all invoices in Yooz, proper coding of staffing for in-house events, and leading any accounting troubleshooting and required resolution,
• Maintain vendor resource database, including caterers, event equipment suppliers, entertainers, staffing resources, and other vendors as needed. Evaluate each vendor based on quality of product, cost efficiency, and overall customer service.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

People Leadership and Management

• Recruits, trains, coaches, develops and assures engagement of a high performing team
• Manage team to highest customer service standards, including 24 hour response time for all incoming inquiries, during business hours.
• Activities include staff planning, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, firing, training, goal setting, assigning and directing work, conducting performance reviews, and resolving problems.
• Build and ensure highest levels of teamwork and inter-departmental cohesion across DTC channels and other Bundschu Co functional leaders.
• Monitor and modify team compensation and incentive programs as needed.
• Develop deep benchmarking through observation prospecting and networking.
• Promote staff or replace non-performing team members accordingly.

Strategic Business Leadership

• With guidance from the BCo 5-year operational plan, hone long term strategy for all BCo events that aligns with the values of Bundschu Company and the individual brands.
• Uphold excellent, specific hospitality and customer service performance standards and manage staff to excel at these standards
• Drive operational excellence, accountability, and efficiency through the implementation of detailed and formalized processes and procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of competitors and best-in-class hospitality practices in the event business and other industries.
• Monitor and review team KPIs daily/weekly/monthly. Effectively communicate results to staff and superiors.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience in event management, preferably in the hospitality or wine industry.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Experience and proficiency in budget management and negotiation.
• Familiarity with relevant software such as event management tools, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of wine, with a WSET or Sommelier certification preferred
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.
• Regular work requires a great deal of standing, lifting, bending and stretching.
• Must be able to stand for 8 hours.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. or more with assistance.
• Must have reliable transportation between locations during the shift/event as required.