Retail Sales & Engagement Lead
(Wine Jobs:
Sales & Marketing)
Full Time
Niagara-on-the-Lake,
Ontario
About Lailey & Stonebridge
Lailey Winery has been a renowned name in the Niagara wine industry for over 30 years, committed to delivering exceptional wines and guest experiences. Stonebridge, established eight years ago, specializes in ultra-premium wines. Since 2021, both brands have come together under a unified management umbrella, blending tradition and innovation. Lailey – Stonebridge have numerous awards and recognitions, recently from Chardonnay du Monde, Decanter and Wine Align, recognized within top 10 small wineries in Canada and Ontario.
Located just moments from historic Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lailey Winery remains rooted in its historic site. Together with Stonebridge, we continue to craft premium wines that celebrate the region’s rich heritage.
Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Retail / Tasting Room Associate with positive and sales focus attitude. You would be working in the tasting and retail store on a day-to-day basis in coordination with wine club lead and experienced retail sales team. This work entails working on most weekends and holidays as part of a flexible team of hospitality professionals.
Budgeting for the whole retail team and owning commercial targets as well as customer face to face sales and working on engagements to bring customer foot traffic is the main focus of this role. You will be working directly with the senior management and the Winery Owner.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Engagement and Sales:
· Delivering an exceptional customer experience.
· Conduct wine tastings, effectively communicating the winery's story, wine profiles, and production methods to educate and inspire guests.
· Drive sales of wine, merchandise, and wine club memberships by identifying customer preferences and recommending suitable products.
Business Development and Commercial Targets:
· Planning and delivering higher customer foot traffic to the retail store.
· Annual budgeting and ownership of the budget; working with other leads (wine club, events and other senior sales associates) to develop and deliver the budget.
· Monthly and quarterly budget – actuals reporting
Team Collaboration:
· Work collaboratively with other team members to meet sales goals and enhance the overall guest experience.
· Assist in training and onboarding new team members as required.
Qualifications
Experience:
· Previous experience in retail, hospitality, or sales, preferably in the wine, food, or beverage industry.
· Prior experience conducting wine tastings or a strong interest in wine is an asset.
· Prior experience in management, budgeting and working towards commercial targets and delivery
Skills and Abilities:
· Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to engage and educate guests.
· Strong sales skills with the ability to recommend and upsell products effectively.
· Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
· Basic computer skills and experience with POS systems for sales transactions.
Knowledge:
· A passion for wine and a willingness to develop in-depth knowledge of the winery’s products, wine production, and local terroir.
· Wine education or certifications (e.g., WSET Level 1 or 2) is a plus but not required. Smartserve certification is a requirement.
Physical Requirements:
· Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 40 lbs (e.g., cases of wine), and work weekends or holidays as needed.
· Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
Personal Attributes:
· A professional, enthusiastic, and team-oriented demeanor.
· Attention to detail and a commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences.
A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field and conversational level of French are considered bonuses.
How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: “Retail Sales Lead.”
Lailey Winery is an equal opportunity employer. All applications are handled with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
Competitive based on skill level
