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Wine Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Dishwasher

Avon, IN

$12.50 - $16/hr

Monthly Complimentary Wine Tasting for Two * Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Insurance plus ... Clean and maintain the dishwasher as directed * Sweep and mop the kitchen floors as needed or as ...

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All JobsWine JobsWine Director JobsWine Director Jobs in Indiana

Wine Director information

See Indiana salary details

$38K

$72.9K

$99.8K

How much do wine director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for wine director in Indiana is $72,873.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,620.00 and $81,556.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wine director?

A Wine Director is a hospitality professional responsible for overseeing a restaurant’s wine program. Their main duties include curating the wine list, managing inventory, training staff on wine service, and collaborating with chefs to create wine pairings that enhance the dining experience. They also handle purchasing, budgeting, and ensuring the wine selection aligns with the restaurant’s concept and clientele. Wine Directors often interact with guests to recommend wines and elevate overall customer satisfaction.

How does a wine director typically collaborate with chefs and front-of-house staff to enhance the guest experience?

A Wine Director works closely with the culinary team to ensure the wine list complements the menu, frequently tasting new dishes and suggesting pairings that elevate both the food and wine. They also train servers and bartenders on wine knowledge and service, empowering the front-of-house staff to confidently recommend selections to guests. This collaboration helps create a cohesive dining experience, where wine and food are thoughtfully aligned, and staff are equipped to deliver exceptional service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wine director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wine Director, you need deep knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and pairings, often supported by certifications such as Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale software, and supplier relations is essential for overseeing wine programs. Exceptional communication, customer service, and leadership skills help create memorable guest experiences and manage staff effectively. These skills ensure an expertly curated wine selection, profitable operations, and elevated dining experiences.

What is the difference between Wine Director vs Sommelier?

AspectWine DirectorSommelier
CredentialsWine certifications, extensive wine knowledgeSommelier certification (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers)
Work EnvironmentManagement role overseeing wine programsFront-of-house role serving guests and wine pairing
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, wine programsUpscale restaurants, wine bars
Search & Comparison IntentHigher-level wine managementGuest service and wine expertise

While both roles require wine knowledge and certifications, the Wine Director typically manages the entire wine program, including purchasing and staff training, whereas a Sommelier focuses on guest service, wine pairing, and recommendations. The Wine Director has a broader managerial scope, often overseeing multiple staff members, while the Sommelier specializes in enhancing guest experience through wine expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wine jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Wine jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Wine Director jobs in Indiana?

For Wine Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wine Director jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Wine Director jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Wine Director jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Wine Director job openings:

Wine Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wine Director job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,873 per year, or $35 per hour.

Director of Wine 5445 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN, 46227

Big Red Liquors

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Big Red Liquors rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description:

Position Summary


The Director of Wine leads Big Red Liquors' wine business by developing a best-in-class assortment that serves both everyday shoppers and wine enthusiasts. This position oversees purchasing, pricing, merchandising, supplier relationships, private label development, education, and promotional strategy while driving sales growth and profitability across all wine categories.

The Director of Wine serves as both a strategic business leader and a trusted authority on wine, helping position Big Red as Indiana's premier wine retailer.


Key Responsibilities


Category Leadership

  • Develop and execute the company's overall wine strategy.
  • Curate assortments across value, premium, luxury, domestic, imported, sparkling, rosé, and dessert wines.
  • Evaluate emerging regions, varietals, and consumer trends.
  • Optimize assortments by store demographics and customer preferences.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

  • Negotiate pricing, allocation opportunities, and supplier programs.
  • Build relationships with wineries, importers, distributors, and brokers.
  • Secure exclusive products and limited allocations.
  • Manage inventory investments and purchasing plans.

Pricing & Promotions

  • Develop competitive retail pricing strategies.
  • Build promotional calendars that maximize profitability.
  • Evaluate promotional performance through sales and margin analysis.
  • Recommend pricing adjustments based on competitive market conditions.

Merchandising & Customer Experience

  • Establish merchandising standards for all wine departments.
  • Design compelling displays, endcaps, feature tables, and seasonal presentations.
  • Oversee shelf organization, signage, and educational materials.
  • Create a shopping experience that encourages exploration and discovery.

Education & Training

  • Lead wine education initiatives for store teams.
  • Develop product knowledge materials and tasting guides.
  • Organize supplier training sessions and customer wine events.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning throughout the organization.

Financial Management

  • Manage sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and profitability.
  • Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Analyze market trends and customer purchasing behavior.
  • Present regular category performance updates to executive leadership.

Marketing & Brand Development

  • Collaborate with Marketing on seasonal campaigns, email promotions, and in-store events.
  • Support wine clubs, tasting programs, and digital content.
  • Lead development of exclusive and private-label wine programs.

Leadership

  • Mentor wine buyers, merchandising teams, and category managers.
  • Foster collaboration across Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Store Leadership.
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement.
Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, CSW, or equivalent wine certification preferred.
  • 5–10 years of wine buying or category management experience.
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
  • Advanced analytical and financial acumen.
  • Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
  • Passion for wine education and customer engagement.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Wine sales growth
  • Gross margin %
  • Inventory turns
  • GMROI
  • Average bottle retail
  • Premium wine sales growth
  • Promotional ROI
  • In-stock percentage
  • Merchandising compliance
  • Customer event performance
  • Private label sales
  • Customer satisfaction

What Success Looks Like


The Director of Wine builds a differentiated wine program that combines exceptional value with premium selections, outstanding merchandising, knowledgeable staff, and strong supplier partnerships. This leader continuously elevates Big Red Liquors' reputation as Indiana's destination for wine while delivering sustainable sales growth, increased profitability, and an exceptional customer experience.

What Big Red Liquors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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