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Position Purpose

Join Ithaka Hospitality Partners and Auburn University in leading the next generation of hospitality professionals. The Assistant General Manager & Wine Director will serve as a pivotal leader within 1856 – Culinary Residence, a luxury teaching restaurant in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. This role supports the restaurant's daily operations, wine education, and beverage program development-balancing commercial excellence with world-class experiential learning for students.

About 1856 – Culinary Residence

1856 – Culinary Residence is a fine dining teaching restaurant named after Auburn University's founding year. The restaurant hosts a Chef in Residence and a Master Sommelier in Residence, offering students real-time mentorship and an immersive restaurant experience through à la carte lunch and a multi-course tasting dinner.

Recognitions include:

• Forbes, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Travel + Leisure features
• AAA Five Diamond Award via The Laurel Hotel & Spa
• Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Guest Experience

• Support the General Manager in overseeing all aspects of daily service, operations, scheduling, and staffing.
• Lead pre-service huddles and manage floor operations during high-touch service hours.
• Train students and team members to deliver Forbes Five-Star hospitality standards.
• Coordinate FOH execution in collaboration with the Chef in Residence and Director of Culinary Innovations.
• Manage guest satisfaction, dietary restrictions, and VIP expectations with precision and grace.

Wine & Beverage Program Leadership

• Oversee all wine and beverage programming for 1856-Culinary Residence and collaborate with associated outlets such as The Laurel Library, Walt's Rooftop and The Laurel Spa
• Maintain an award-winning wine list and execute beverage pairing strategies for rotating tasting menus to include wine, spirits and cocktails.
• Lead wine education, pairings, inventory, and staff training moments.
• Create engaging guest experiences through curated tastings, dinners, and educational events.
• Support purchasing and inventory with a focus on quality control and wine cellar management.

Education & Student Development

• Provide direct mentorship to students working in 1856-Culinary Residence, ensuring a balance between commercial execution and pedagogical value.
• Administer verbal and written service/wine tests and performance feedback sessions.
• Develop future sommeliers through a structured internship program, experiential learning opportunities, and global industry exposure.

Strategic & Commercial Oversight

• Collaborate on forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance targets for wine sales and overall operations.
• Contribute to the planning of wine-focused events (e.g., industry dinners, beverage conferences, travel immersions).
• Partner on marketing, menu design, and social media engagement related to beverage programming.
• Stay current on global beverage trends and integrate them into both operations and academic instruction.

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years in fine dining restaurant service, with 3+ years in leadership
• Deep experience in wine service and programming; certified sommelier certification or equivalent required
• Experience in multi-course tasting menu environments
• Strong teaching and mentorship abilities with a passion for student development

Preferred:

• Experience with wine list development recognized by Wine Spectator or equivalent
• Background in upscale dining rooms with either Forbes or James Beard Recognition
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Wine Studies, or related field

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, lift, and perform floor duties for extended periods
• Able to lift 30+ pounds and manage wine cellar organization
• Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Travel occasionally for wine industry networking and educational trips

Who We Are

At Ithaka Hospitality Partners, we believe in journeys filled with discovery, hospitality with soul, and partnerships built on trust. We are shaping the future of hospitality-and invite you to be part of it.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.