Assistant Manager – District Distillery
The Assistant Manager supports the day-to-day operations of the distillery and plays a core leadership role in guiding our team culture, sales efforts, and operational workflows to maintain a great working environment. This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys working in a small business, can think big-picture, and is comfortable taking initiative to keep things running smoothly.
This position works closely with the Owner and will gradually take on many of the responsibilities currently handled at the leadership level. We are looking for someone who is positive, reliable, proactive, and enjoys helping a business grow. The successful candidate will bring energy, organization, and enthusiasm — it will be someone who naturally lifts morale, motivates the team, and brings a smile to work every day.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Culture
- Lead by example with a positive attitude, energy, and respect.
- Encourage and support a fun, inclusive, professional environment.
- Motivate and mentor staff; ensure communication across shifts stays clear.
- Help maintain a workplace where people want to show up and do their best.
- Handle small staff concerns with fairness and maturity; escalate when needed.
Sales & Customer Relationships
- Inside sales: respond to incoming orders and maintain customer accounts.
- Cold calling to grow distribution and open new wholesale relationships.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with liquor stores, restaurants, and event partners.
- Support tastings, promotions, and brand presence.
- Contribute to sales targets tied to bonus opportunities.
Administration & Invoicing
- Prepare invoices, purchase orders, and maintain vendor and customer files.
- Track product movement, deliveries, sales records, and receivables.
- Support compliance and operational documentation (training provided).
- Use scheduling, communication, and inventory software (training provided).
Operations & Day-to-Day Organization
- Ensure production, packaging, and deliveries stay on schedule.
- Maintain organized systems, checklists, and space management.
- Monitor supply levels and communicate shortages proactively.
- Identify process improvements and suggest solutions, not just problems.
Staff Coordination
- Assist in staffing, onboarding, and training (team size ~14, mostly PT).
- Support shift scheduling and ensure proper coverage.
- Model accountability and coach others to do the same.
Reporting & Accountability
- Report progress and updates directly to the Owner.
- Take ownership of tasks and follow through reliably.
- Help move business goals forward with initiative, not direction-seeking.
Personal Qualities We’re Looking For
- Positive Energy – shows up with enthusiasm, sets the tone for the team.
- Sales Mindset – understands we grow by building relationships.
- Strong Communication – clear, respectful, professional.
- Reliability & Accountability – follows through, shows up, can be trusted.
- Organizational Skills – keeps systems tidy and operations smooth.
- Problem Solving & Initiative – takes action without being asked.
- Cultural Fit – genuinely enjoys craft spirits and small business community.
Additional Details
- Education is an asset; willingness to learn is key.
- Experience in hospitality, retail, or small business is an asset, but attitude and initiative matter more.
- Opportunity to learn how to run a business, not just operate one.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00-$63,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
