Assistant Wine Director / Restaurant Manager

Wild Blue Restaurant Bar | Whistler, BC

Reports to: Wine Director

Position: Full-Time | Wine Leadership & Restaurant Management

Position Overview

Wild Blue Restaurant Bar is seeking a knowledgeable, passionate, and hospitality-driven Assistant Wine Director to join our leadership team.

Reporting directly to the Wine Director, this position plays an important role in supporting the development, execution, and continued success of our award-winning wine program while sharing responsibility for the day-to-day management of the restaurant.

This is a dual-role position, balancing responsibilities within the wine department with active leadership on the restaurant floor as a Manager. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional wine knowledge, strong operational skills, and a genuine commitment to delivering thoughtful, memorable guest experiences.

Working collaboratively with the Wine Director, culinary leadership, and management team, the Assistant Wine Director will help maintain the highest standards of wine service, staff education, operational excellence, and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities1. Wine Program Leadership & Development

- Support the Wine Director in the ongoing development, maintenance, and execution of Wild Blue's wine program.
- Assist with wine selection, purchasing, pricing, and list management, working within the direction and financial objectives established by the Wine Director.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the wine list, including regions, producers, vintages, styles, and food pairings.
- Identify emerging producers, wine trends, and opportunities to enhance the diversity and quality of the wine program.
- Support the development and execution of wine pairings for seasonal menus, special events, and exclusive dining experiences.
- Contribute ideas to improve wine sales, guest engagement, and the overall profitability of the beverage program.

2. Wine Inventory & Cellar Management
- Assist the Wine Director with the organization, accuracy, and maintenance of wine inventory and cellar operations.
- Ensure wines are properly received, stored, rotated, and maintained to the highest standards.
- Conduct regular inventory counts and assist with reconciliation, stock control, and inventory reporting.
- Monitor wine availability, vintage changes, and list accuracy, ensuring seamless communication with the service team.
- Help manage wine costs, inventory levels, and purchasing efficiency in accordance with established budgets and targets.
- Support effective relationships with suppliers, agents, and wineries under the direction of the Wine Director.

3. Restaurant Management & Floor Leadership
- Act as a Manager on Duty during assigned shifts, taking responsibility for the smooth and successful operation of the restaurant.
- Lead by example, maintaining Wild Blue's standards of service, professionalism, presentation, and hospitality.
- Support the Restaurant Director and management team in supervising, coaching, and motivating the front-of-house team.
- Maintain a robust and visible presence on the dining room floor, anticipating guest needs and proactively supporting service.
- Oversee the execution of service standards, table management, guest satisfaction, and communication between departments.
- Respond to guest feedback and resolve service challenges with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
- Support opening and closing procedures, daily operational responsibilities, and the effective deployment of team members.
- Foster a positive, respectful, accountable, and collaborative team culture.

4. Wine Service & Guest Experience




- Deliver exceptional wine service consistent with Wild Blue's fine-dining standards.
- Actively engage with guests, providing thoughtful wine recommendations tailored to individual preferences, occasions, and dining selections.
- Support the service team with wine presentations, decanting, tableside service, and more complex wine requests.
- Promote confident, approachable, and engaging wine service without unnecessary formality or intimidation.
- Develop relationships with regular guests, wine enthusiasts, and collectors, creating personalized and memorable experiences.
- Identify opportunities to enhance wine sales through genuine hospitality, informed recommendations, and appropriate premium offerings.
- Ensure that the wine program contributes meaningfully to the overall guest experience.

5. Staff Training, Education & Development
- Work with the Wine Director to develop and deliver an ongoing wine education program for the front-of-house team.
- Lead regular tastings, educational sessions, and practical service training.
- Coach servers and bartenders on wine knowledge, presentation, pairing recommendations, and responsible sales techniques.
- Support the development of training materials, wine examinations, and structured learning opportunities.
- Encourage a culture of curiosity, continuous improvement, and shared knowledge.
- Provide constructive feedback and individual coaching to strengthen confidence and consistency in wine service.

6. Collaboration & Financial Performance
- Work closely with the Wine Director, culinary team, and restaurant management to ensure alignment between the wine program, menus, and guest experience.
- Assist in monitoring wine revenue, cost of goods, inventory performance, and beverage sales opportunities.
- Contribute to initiatives that support wine profitability without compromising quality or hospitality.
- Participate in management meetings, operational planning, and special projects as required.
- Support the planning and execution of winemaker dinners, wine tastings, special events, and promotional initiatives.
- Assume additional wine department responsibilities during the Wine Director's absence, within established authority and guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience
- Certified Sommelier qualification or equivalent recognized wine certification required. Advanced certification or ongoing professional studies considered an asset.
- Minimum 3–5 years of relevant fine-dining hospitality experience, including significant wine service responsibilities.
- Previous supervisory, assistant management, or restaurant management experience strongly preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of international wine regions, grape varieties, producers, vintages, winemaking techniques, and food pairings.
- Experience with wine inventory management, purchasing, costing, and cellar organization.
- Strong understanding of premium restaurant service standards and operational procedures.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, and develop team members.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of how wine service contributes to restaurant performance.




- Confidence in managing guest expectations and resolving challenging situations.
- A polished, professional presence combined with warmth, humility, and genuine hospitality.
- Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with the physical demands of active restaurant service.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Valid British Columbia Serving It Right certification.

About us

Wild Blue is looking for individuals to join our restaurant in Whistler Village - they should be highly motivated, possess a positive attitude, dedicated to the hospitality industry, humble, conscientious, team players, a desire to learn, respectful and honest.

Ideal candidates would ideally have several years of fine dining and beverage serving experience; however Wild Blue is willing to train the right candidate and provide them the tools to succeed and grow within the industry. Candidates should be team oriented as they will be collaborating with employees to create an exciting and professional environment to execute service standards.

Wild Blue Restaurant Bar was recognized in October 2023 as enRoute Magazine #2 Best New Restaurant in Canada, in May 2023 by the prestigious ‘Canada’s 100 Best’ as one of the nations Top 10 Best New Restaurants as well as named to the 100 Best List. Having opened in mid-2022, Wild Blue Restaurant has been recognized at #4 in the Best New Restaurants category. It is the only restaurant in British Columbia to have made this list, and is one of only two in Western Canada.

Furthermore, Wild Blue has been honoured with ranking on Canada’s 100 Best List 2026, and in May 2026 was inducted into the Pellegrino Top 50 Restaurants in North America.

Wild Blue Restaurant Bar was also noted as “The Most Important Whistler Restaurant Opening in a Decade” by Vancouver Magazine and “The Hot Table to Book in Whistler” by Condé Nast Traveler.

https://www.wildbluerestaurant.com/

Why join Wild Blue Restaurant?

Our People - We value integrity, creativity, kind-heartedness, and being intentional in all that we do, and we are looking for a candidate who is seeking the same. We are a passionate, hard-working, and uplifting team, always aspiring to evolve.

Our Facilities - unparalleled staff facilities including staff showers, bike storage, winter-sport gear lockers.

Our Hospitality – We’re committed to nurturing a culture of trust and balance. We are attracting the most passionate individuals who are keen to work hard and succeed, that play well with others, and enjoy life. Where you will be proud to say you belong. We offer a professional working environment with ample support and mentorship, always striving for excellence.

Our Community – We live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, sitting within a basin of mountains and surrounded by a strong local contingent of like minded individuals. We challenge and encourage you to explore everything Whistler has to offer.

Other Benefits & Perks:

Gratuities, Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Available after 3 months | Dining Discounts To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and enthusiasm for the position.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $50,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Company events
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Store discount
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care

Experience:
- Leadership: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:
- Work Visa (required)
- Wines and Spirits Education Trust level 3 or greater (required)

Location:
- Whistler, BC (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Assistant Wine Director / Manager (Whistler)
🏢 Wild Blue Restaurant u0026 Bar
📍 Whistler