Overall Purpose
The Blackburn Taproom, Bodega and Event Space are key extensions of the Blackburn Beer Company brand. They are often the first—and most memorable—touchpoints our guests have with Blackburn. Creating exceptional hospitality experiences, delivering outstanding service and building lasting customer loyalty are at the heart of this role.
The Taproom Manager oversees all aspects of Blackburn's hospitality operations, including main taproom, retail store and onsite event space.
This individual is responsible for leading the front-of-house team, maintaining exceptional guest experiences, driving hospitality sales, supporting private events and ensuring operational excellence across every guest-facing area of the brewery.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Team Development
- Recruit, hire, train and schedule bartenders, servers, supervisors and front-of-house staff.
- Foster a positive, inclusive and hospitality-first workplace culture.
- Coach, mentor and develop employees through ongoing training and performance feedback.
- Communicate new products, seasonal promotions, event programming and service expectations to the team.
- Conduct performance reviews and manage employee performance, coaching and disciplinary actions when required.
- Lead by example through professionalism, teamwork and exceptional hospitality.
- Continuously identify opportunities to elevate the guest experience.
2. Hospitality Operations
- Lead the daily operation of the taproom, patio and guest hospitality spaces.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality service standards are maintained throughout every shift.
- Oversee daily opening and closing procedures.
- Receive and respond promptly to email inquiries, reservations and private event requests.
- Develop, maintain and improve standard operating procedures for service, cleanliness and guest experience.
- Coordinate with the kitchen team to ensure seamless food and beverage service.
- Maintain exceptional cleanliness, organization and presentation throughout all guest-facing areas.
- Coordinate cleaning schedules and communicate with external cleaning contractors as required.
- Manage relationships with service providers for chemicals, washroom supplies and other operational needs.
- Coordinate draft system maintenance with the brewery team, including line cleaning schedules and keg rotation.
- Ensure compliance with AGCO regulations, Smart Serve requirements and all health and safety standards.
3. Blackburn Retail Store
- Oversee the daily operation of the Blackburn on-site retail store.
- Ensure beer, cocktails, merchandise and seasonal displays are visually compelling and well stocked.
- Develop creative merchandising initiatives that encourage discovery and increase sales.
- Monitor retail inventory levels and coordinate replenishment with brewery staff.
- Maintain retail presentation standards that reflect the Blackburn brand.
- Identify opportunities to increase retail sales through merchandising, promotions and guest engagement.
4. Event Space & Hospitality Programming
- Oversee the operation of Blackburn's private event space.
- Respond to event inquiries and coordinate bookings.
- Work closely with the Events Coordinator, kitchen team and clients to ensure successful event execution.
- Oversee event setup, staffing and service during private functions.
- Coordinate food service with catering partners and kitchen operations.
- Support the planning and execution of brewery events including beer releases, trivia nights, live music, seasonal celebrations and community events.
- Build relationships with community organizations and partners to strengthen Blackburn's presence throughout Niagara.
5. Financial & Inventory Management
- Monitor daily sales performance and labour efficiency.
- Oversee cash handling, reconciliation procedures and staff training.
- Review event reconciliation and coordinate with Accounting to ensure accurate tip distribution.
- Maintain inventory of operational supplies including glassware, cleaning products, menus and guest service materials.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.
6. Communication & Business Performance
- Provide regular reporting on sales performance, labour, guest feedback and operational improvements.
- Maintain strong communication between brewery leadership, production, kitchen and hospitality teams.
- Monitor guest feedback and online reviews while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Help develop new hospitality initiatives that strengthen Blackburn's reputation as one of Niagara's leading brewery destinations.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of hospitality management experience.
- Proven leadership and team development skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Experience with POS systems (Clover preferred), scheduling and inventory management.
- Smart Serve Certification required.
- Food Handler Certification considered an asset.
- Flexible availability including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Why is this a unique role?
- Ability to join a fast growing company
- Bring your skills, experience and energy to a great culture
- Participate in a bonus program based on growth and performance
- Have autonomy to bring new ideas and processes to the table and help operate within an entrepreneurial setting
- The brewing business is a fun and dynamic industry
- We are an active player in the community and always will be
Blackburn thrives on passion and attitude; for both our craftsmanship, the success of the organization and how we interact with clients, suppliers, colleagues and customers. We are searching for people bursting with enthusiasm for this great industry and a desire to make positive change within our business. Our core values welcome everyone, at work and in our community.
If you're passionate about leadership, hospitality and creating experiences that bring good people together, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $45,000.00-$55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- In 30 words or less, tell us why you would be a good candidate.
Experience:
- Restaurant management: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
