Wine Bar Assistant Manager

1. Role Overview

• Location: Arundel, West Sussex (BN18)

• Job Type: Full-time (part-time considered for the right candidate)

• Reports To: Consumer Sales & Service Manager

• Summary: Lead the day-to-day operation of a luxury English sparkling wine bar in the heart of Arundel, acting as a key ambassador for the brand, maintaining exceptional standards, and delivering memorable guest experiences.

2. About Digby Fine English

• Brand Identity: Producer of world-class English Sparkling Wine defined by refined elegance and a spirited sense of adventure.

• Operations: Sold through prestigious UK trade channels, direct-to-consumer, and selected international export markets.

• Culture: A small, ambitious, entrepreneurial, and passionate team where every member shapes the visitor experience.

3. Key Responsibilities

• Hospitality & Guest Experience: Deliver exceptional customer service every day, host wine tastings, flights, and private experiences, and share the Digby story in an engaging and approachable way.

• Wine Bar & Tasting Room Operations: Manage daily running, opening and closing procedures, reservations, cleanliness, monitor stock levels and coordinate ordering of wines, food and hospitality supplies, and maintain health & safety/licensing compliance.

• Team & Events: Support, train, and motivate casual/part-time staff; help deliver member events, private functions, and seasonal experiences.

• Sales & Brand: Encourage retail wine sales and Digby Club memberships, confidently recommending products to guests.

4. About You

• Experience: Previous management or supervisory experience in hospitality, restaurants, bars, or premium retail.

• Skills: Natural welcoming ability, excellent organization and communication, proactive hands-on approach, and attention to detail.

• Attributes: Confidence working independently or within a small team, positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a full UK driving licence.

• Desirable: Prior wine knowledge or experience, existing WSET qualifications, and tasting-hosting experience.

5. What We Offer

• Remuneration: Salary between £27k - £32k pa FTE depending on experience.

• Development: WSET wine training and ongoing product education in a varied role with genuine responsibility.

• Perks: Staff discounts on Digby wines and hospitality experiences, plus the chance to work with a pioneering luxury brand.

6. Working at Digby

• Mission & Culture: A highly entrepreneurial setting where you shape the visitor experience, share our passion for English sparkling wine, and grow alongside a luxury brand.