What are the responsibilities and job description for the Natural Wine Sales Manager (Retail) — Upstate, NY position at Windmill Wine & Spirits?
We are a small, independent natural wine shop in Saugerties seeking a motivated, experienced sales professional to manage daily retail operations, drive sales, and deepen customer relationships. This is a full-time (40 hrs/wk) role with a base salary plus commission and profit-share.
Compensation
- Base salary: $45,760/year (40 hours/week)
- Commission on sales (details discussed during interview)
- Profit-sharing plan (part of total compensation; details provided to hires)
- Typical benefits: employee discount, flexible scheduling, paid time off (describe specifics during interview)
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day retail operations: opening/closing, inventory, merchandising, cash handling, and POS management
- Drive sales through excellent customer service, product knowledge, and in-store promotions
- Act as the primary natural wine expert: recommend wines, host tastings, train staff, and curate stock with the owner
- Hire, train, schedule, and supervise part-time staff as needed; foster a customer-first team culture
- Monitor inventory, place orders with suppliers, track cost of goods, and work to optimize margins
- Maintain store presentation, compliance with NY alcohol laws, and health & safety standards
- Build local partnerships, grow community outreach, and support events/tastings
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2–4 years retail experience, with at least 1 year in wine or beverage retail (managerial or lead role preferred)
- Demonstrable knowledge of natural wine (producers, regions, farming/production practices) and enthusiasm for low-intervention/organic wines
- Strong sales, merchandising, and customer-service skills; proven ability to meet or exceed sales goals
- Experience with inventory management and POS systems
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Must be able to work evenings/weekends and lift up to ~50 lbs when needed
- Authorized to work in the U.S.; reliable transportation to Saugerties, NY
Preferred
- Formal wine training or certifications (WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, or similar)
- Prior experience running tastings, events, or developing local partnerships
- Knowledge of small-business financials and margin management
Why Join Us
- Be part of a tight-knit team in a community-focused, independent natural wine shop
- Significant upside through commission and profit-sharing — your success directly impacts earnings
- Opportunity to shape the shop’s wine program, events, and customer experience
Pay: From $45,760.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
Salary : $45,760