Director of Wine - Kona Village

Director Of Wine

The Director Of Wine is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, execution, and financial performance of all wine-related operations across the resort's Food & Beverage Division. This role oversees the wine program, cellar management, wine procurement, team training and development, guest engagement initiatives, and revenue-generating wine experiences while maintaining the highest standards of service, quality, and profitability.

The Director Of Wine serves as the resort's wine authority and ambassador, creating exceptional wine programs that align with each restaurant, bar, banquet, and event concept while supporting the overall Food & Beverage vision. This position is responsible for developing and mentoring Sommeliers and service teams, cultivating industry partnerships, executing innovative wine experiences, and pursuing prestigious industry recognition including Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Operational Excellence
• Wine Program Management
• Training, Education & Talent Development
• Guest Experience & Wine Service
• Culinary Collaboration
• Events & Programming
• Marketing, Partnerships & Industry Recognition
• Financial Management
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Communication & Collaboration
• Additional Responsibilities

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge of domestic and international wines, wine regions, varietals, production methods, and food pairings.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and mentor Sommeliers and hospitality professionals.
• Strong understanding of luxury hospitality and fine dining service standards.
• Exceptional wine sales, guest engagement, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven experience creating and managing wine-focused events and programming.
• Strong financial and business acumen with the ability to manage budgets, costs, and profitability.
• Experience procuring and managing extensive wine inventories and cellar operations.
• Strong industry relationships with wineries, distributors, importers, and suppliers.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to train, motivate, evaluate, mentor, and lead associates effectively.
• Ability to interpret financial statements and implement corrective actions.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with POS systems, inventory systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism and composure.
• Ability to lead wine presentations, educational seminars, and guest-facing wine experiences.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Culinary Arts, Wine Studies, or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Court of Master Sommeliers Level II (Certified Sommelier) required;
  Advanced Sommelier, Diploma WSET, or equivalent certification strongly preferred.
• Additional wine, spirits, or hospitality certifications desirable

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of progressive wine leadership experience within a luxury or ultra-luxury hotel, resort, restaurant, or private club environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-volume wine programs and extensive wine inventories.
• Proven success leading Sommelier teams and service training programs.
• Experience developing and executing wine dinners, tasting events, and luxury beverage experiences.
• Experience working with distributors, wineries, importers, and supplier partners.
• Demonstrated success achieving revenue growth, cost control, and guest satisfaction objectives.
• Experience pursuing or maintaining recognized industry wine awards preferred.

Required Skills:

• Must be able to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy
• Prioritize, organize and follow-up
• Be a clear thinker, remaining calm and resolving…