Area Operations Manager – San Diego and Anaheim Markets

Description

Area Operations Manager – San Diego and Anaheim Markets

Full-Time | Compensation: $95,000–$105,000 DOE + Performance Bonus Potential

About The Role

Pali Wine Co. is seeking a dynamic and strategic Area Manager to oversee operations across our San Diego and Anaheim tasting rooms, as well as Cellar Hand, our full-service restaurant in San Diego.

This hands-on leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, controlling costs, supporting onsite managers, and delivering consistently outstanding guest experience. The Area Manager will work closely with Ownership to uphold Pali’s core values—embracing vineyard-driven authenticity, warm hospitality, and a deep respect for land, farming, and craftsmanship.

We’re looking for a strong operator and mentor who is passionate about wine, hospitality, and building high-performing, values-aligned teams.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the San Diego Tasting Room, Anaheim Tasting Room, and Cellar Hand Restaurant
• Mentor and empower onsite managers to drive operational excellence, service standards, sales performance, and cost control
• Maintain and enforce consistent Steps of Service across all locations, protecting the brand’s hospitality tone
• Cultivate guest loyalty and wine club growth through staff education, engagement, and service excellence
• Manage labor costs, scheduling efficiency, team productivity, and staffing plans
• Oversee inventory control systems, ensuring optimal management of wine, food, and supply costs
• Champion brand service expectations, maintaining exceptional cleanliness, presentation, and guest engagement
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and developing new team members and managers
• Partner with leadership on local marketing, guest programming, and community engagement initiatives
• Conduct regular audits (service, financial, operations) and present findings
• Provide structured reporting to Ownership, including:
• Weekly location updates
• Monthly operational summaries (labor, COGS, sales, wine club growth)
• Quarterly strategic reviews and action plans
• Lead by example—be present and hands-on, regularly visiting locations, engaging with guests, and building strong team trust
  
  

Hospitality Vision and Brand Leadership

• Champion the Pali Wine Co. tasting room experience, ensuring service, environment, and guest interactions reflect the brand’s values:
• Vineyard-driven authenticity
• Serious yet warm, welcoming hospitality
• Respect for land, farming, and the craft of winemaking
• Foster a culture of genuine hospitality, ensuring every guest interaction is warm, knowledgeable, and memorable
• Maintain minimalist, thoughtful service, never cheesy, gimmicky, or commercial
• Guide managers and teams in consistently embodying brand values through service delivery, guest interaction, and team culture
• Protect and elevate the guest experience by reinforcing genuine connection, storytelling, and quality at every touchpoint
• Maintaining deep working knowledge of wine, hospitality, and farming philosophies necessary to lead credibly and confidently
  
  

Strategic Growth and Financial Oversight

• Identify and implement strategic initiatives to enhance revenue streams, optimize operational efficiency, and elevate brand presence
• Proven ability to analyze financial reports, manage budgets, and drive profitability while maintaining service excellence
• Develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations to strengthen community ties and enhance brand visibility
  
  

Requirements

• 3–5+ years’ experience in multi-unit management, preferably in hospitality, restaurant, or tasting room environments
• Strong working knowledge of wine, vineyard sourcing, hospitality standards, and serious guest service philosophy
• Passion for authentic, vineyard-driven wine experiences and serious food and beverage culture
• Proven ability to mentor and develop frontline managers, driving excellence in both guest experience and cost management
• Strong financial literacy, capable of managing labor budgets, COGS targets, and delivering P&L results
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills—confident, professional, and motivating
• Clear and effective communication skills (verbal, written, reporting)
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and proactive in problem-solving
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and travel between locations (Anaheim and San Diego)
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and be on your feet for extended periods
• Full-time availability with flexibility based on business needs
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

• Salary: $95,000–$105,000 DOE
• Performance-based bonus potential
• Reimbursed travel between locations (Anaheim and San Diego)
• Wine club membership perks
• Staff discounts on wine and dining
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Health insurance contribution eligibility (based on final offer terms)
• Professional growth opportunity in a respected, family-owned wine business
  
  

About Pali Wine Co. And Cellar Hand

Pali Wine Co. brings the winery experience to your neighborhood. With tasting rooms throughout Southern California and a winemaking home based in Santa Barbara County, we craft wines with a deep sense of place—from fresh, natural wines under our Neighborhood label to organically farmed estate wines under our Pali label.

At Pali, we care deeply about farming, winemaking, and creating real human connection. Our team shares our story with warmth and precision, whether pouring a flight, welcoming a new club member, or introducing a guest to our organically farmed vineyards.

At Cellar Hand, we extend this philosophy into a full-service restaurant experience, bringing hyper-local ingredients, artisan wine, and genuine hospitality together in a true community gathering place.