Lake Country Co-op invites applications for the positions of Professional Services - Full Time Sommelier at our Wine, Spirits and Beer - Cornerstone location in Prince Albert, SK.

Who we are: Lake Country Co-op does business differently. As a co-operative, we believe in working together to provide an exceptional experience to customers and members to enhance the success and vibrancy in our communities, delivering profits back and investing in sustainable growth. To learn more about who we are and how you can help bring our Lake Country Co-op brand to life, visit us at www.lakecountryco-op.crs

Reporting to the WSB Team Leader - Cornerstone responsibilities for this position include the following:

• Demonstrate day to day behaviours and actions that align with and strengthen our Co-op’s vision, mission, values, brand and focus on safety
• To consult with and provide expert advice to customers within the liquor retail locations
• To serve licensee clients by providing product consultation, creating, and updating order guides and following-up with commercial accounts on a regular basis
• Have familiarity with all store operations and supervise the operational team in their daily duties
• To prepare and submit weekly orders to local producers and SLGA Special Orders as required by team leader
• To manage the administration of tasting room events including creation, description, web posting, ticket pricing and post event recaps
• To manage and host all aspects of our tasting events including set up, presentation delivery and clean up
• To manage all aspects of our various WSB clubs including set up, presentation, delivery and administration
• To work with off-site tasting event venues to create and deliver partnered events
• To manage the personal wine locker program and ensure locker members are satisfied with their monthly selections
• To support the locker program with occasional member-only tasting events and quarterly newsletter
• To manage growler bar keg inventory and selections, keeping POS and signage up to date
• To develop and implement educational programs for staff product knowledge
• To understand retail margins and work to ensure maximum profitability is being obtained
• To perform or assist in the development and action of yearly performance work plan and development action plan for the Sommelier position.
• To provide direction on inventory management, create action plans to remove slow moving or deleted wines from the current inventory and recommend replacement wines
• Engage and interact with guests to create a positive shopping experience – in person and on the phone
• Perform other duties as assigned

Why it matters: Our Lake Country Co-op team provides a range of products and services to support our 51,000 member-owners in 19 different communities. Through the work that we do and annual sales of over $650 million we help to build, fuel, feed and grow our communities together.

Who you are:

You are looking for a career in Retail Store Operations and Customer Service:

• You must be 19 years of age or older with a WSET 2 and Serve It Right Certification; Minimum three years’ experience in the hospitality or retail liquor industry
• Must be willing and able to enroll and complete WSET 3 certification
• You are honest and trustworthy, are results oriented, and strive to be the best in the work that you do
• Must possess thorough and up-to-date knowledge of wine, spirits and beer products and trends.
• Experience and confidence in hosting seminars and public events necessary; experience teaching wine courses will be considered an asset
• You have strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to successfully motivate and work with team members
• You have the ability to lift and load products; extensive physical labour is required
• Experience in social media marketing will be considered an asset
• Must Possess Valid Class 5 drivers license for possible travel through trading area for events and training purposes
• Applicants must have a flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays and other WSB Events (Tastings)

Our Lake Country Co-op team members receive competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and an employer-contributed pension plan. We encourage our Team Members to take advantage of learning opportunities, to grow and develop and to foster a culture of teamwork and innovation.

At Lake Country Co-op, we embrace diversity and inclusion, and we’re working to create a workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We support and provide an environment that allows all to bring their whole selves to work.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted.