Queen City Distillery - General Manager

Job Description

<p><h3>Overview</h3><p>Are you a hands-on leader with a passion for operations, people, and premium spirits? We\'re a new distillery with ambitious plans for rapid growth, and we\'re looking for a General Manager who is ready to take charge and help bring our vision to life. This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground level—shaping day-to-day operations, building and leading a high-performing team, and driving the success of a brand that\'s just getting started. From production and logistics to customer experience and team culture, you\'ll have a direct impact on every part of the business. If you\'re entrepreneurial, solutions-focused, and excited by the idea of growing something from scratch, this could be the perfect role for you!</p><p>The General Manager is responsible for the overall management, business leadership, development, and supervision of Queen City Distillers. This position provides full-cycle leadership of day-to-day operations and long-term strategy for the business. Reporting to the COO, the General Manager drives revenue growth, maintains rigorous compliance with Saskatchewan Liquor & Gaming Authority (SLGA) regulations, and builds a passionate, high-performing team that delivers outstanding hospitality. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in both retail and hospitality environments, balances business acumen with a passion for service, and brings operational excellence to every corner of our guest experience.</p><h3>Responsibilities</h3><ul><li>Oversee day-to-day operations for all locations</li><li>Ensure strong supplier relationships and efficient inventory management</li><li>Analyze sales trends, margins, and pricing strategy</li><li>Optimize inventory levels, purchasing, and receiving; maintain 2-4 % shrink or better</li><li>Negotiate with suppliers to secure exclusive allocations and favorable terms</li><li>Identify growth opportunities in retail, events, and hospitality</li><li>Champion guest feedback, loyalty, and long-term brand development</li><li>Oversee liquor licensing, food handling permits, occupancy limits, and health inspections</li><li>Maintain safety and cleanliness across all facilities</li><li>Implement and enforce cash handling and security protocols</li><li>Present to all stakeholders, including senior management, as required</li><li>Management and development of all employees in the division with the goal of building a motivated and successful workforce focused on long-term success for the company, customers, and employees</li><li>Establish targets for managers and evaluate their performance through the use of KPIs</li><li>Provide feedback and input into future opportunities and competitive pressures</li><li>Develop and manage budgets across all operational departments</li><li>Partner with the Finance team on forecasting and strategic planning</li><li>Partner with the Marketing team to ensure brand and vision are executed</li></ul><h3>Qualifications</h3><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Hospitality Management, or a related field (MBA preferred)</li><li>Deep working knowledge of SLGA regulations, age-verification, and import rules</li><li>10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with experience in both operations and hospitality</li><li>Strong communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills</li><li>Strong financial understanding along with cost management, business planning, and goal setting with management</li><li>A professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and as a team player, to lead by example, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously</li><li>Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives while bringing a strong problem-solving ability to the workplace</li><li>Strong organizational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail and consistent focus on developing and maintaining good customer relations</li></ul></p> #J-18808-Ljbffr