Wine/Bar Manager - Terrible Love Wine

Terrible Love Wine is a wine bar opening soon at the historic Baker Center in Hyde Park, Austin, Texas (ten feet from our sister, Terrible Love coffee). We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Wine Manager to lead our wine program and help shape the identity of Terrible Love Wine. This is a guest-facing, curatorially driven role for someone who loves wine deeply and communicates that love to guests, staff, and the industry partners we work with. The Wine Manager is responsible for building and maintaining the wine list, managing the wine inventory and ordering, and creating an approachable yet compelling experience for guests at every level of wine knowledge, including those who are exploring low- and no- alcohol options.We're serious about wine and creating a great guest experience, but we're in no way stuffy or snobby. TLW will be a neighborhood spot where you can meet your book club after your morning run, have a quick bite between meetings in the afternoon, or cozy up in a corner with your date well after bedtime.This position reports to the General Manager and works in regular collaboration with the General Manager on all things wine.RESPONSIBILITIES:Wine Program- Develop, maintain, and evolve the wine list in alignment with the vision and identity of the bar (distinctive, playful, warm, unpretentious)- Curate a selection that is varied in style, region, and price point- Build and maintain a dedicated no- and low-alcohol beverage program that reflects the same curatorial care as the wine list, including dealcoholized wines, non-alcoholic spirits, low-ABV aperitifs, and thoughtfully constructed zero-proof cocktails- Vermouth!- Stay current on producers, regions, trends, and emerging wines; bring new and compelling additions to the list on an ongoing basis- Develop and manage the by-the-glass program, ensuring quality, variety, and profitability- Collaborate with the General Manager on the overall direction and positioning of the wine programOrdering & Inventory- Responsible for all wine purchasing, including building and maintaining vendor and distributor relationships- Manage wine inventory, establish par levels, and conduct regular inventory counts- Monitor wine costs and work within budget targets set in collaboration with the General Manager- Ensure proper storage, handling, and rotation of all wine inventoryBar Service- This is a working role that includes regular shifts behind the bar alongside the bar team. During bar shifts, the Wine Director is responsible for the full range of bar service.Guest Experience- Be present on the floor during service, engaging guests, making recommendations, and telling the stories behind the wines- Create an environment where guests of all backgrounds feel welcome exploring the list - Lead and conduct staff wine education on an ongoing basis, ensuring the entire team can speak confidently about the list- Develop wine pairing suggestions in collaboration with the General Manager and kitchen teamEvents & Programming- Conceptualize and execute wine-focused programming such as tastings, producer dinners, themed flights, and educational events- Cultivate relationships with distributors, importers, and winemakers to bring special opportunities to the barCommunication & Collaboration- Meet regularly with the General Manager and Bar Lead to align on service, programming, and operational needs- Communicate proactively about inventory needs, list changes, and upcoming eventsPRE-OPENING RESPONSIBILITIES:Prior to launch, the Wine Manager will:- Build the opening wine list in collaboration with the General Manager- Establish distributor and vendor relationships and negotiate opening terms- Place opening wine orders and oversee receipt and organization of inventory- Develop wine training materials and lead pre-opening staff education- Assist in setting up wine storage and service systemsQualifications- Demonstrable, substantive knowledge of wine regions, varietals, producers, and service- Experience curating or managing a wine program in a restaurant, bar, or retail setting- Strong communication and hospitality instincts; able to connect with guests authentically- Experience managing vendor relationships and wine purchasing- TABC certification - Texas Food Handler's CertificationPreferred Qualifications- Formal wine education or certification (WSET etc.)- Experience with wine program development from the ground up- Existing relationships with distributors and importers in the Texas market- Experience running or programming wine eventsCOMPENSATION:NegotiableBENEFITS:- PTO- Monthly Healthcare Contribution