General Manager

General Manager — Volta Wine + Market

Opening soon in downtown St. Petersburg, Volta Wine + Market is a fine wine shop, specialty food store, and wine bar. We're looking for a passionate food & wine professional to lead operations on a full-time basis.

The General Manager (GM) is a key leadership role reporting directly to the owners, responsible for daily operations and accountable for the overall guest experience. Volta is primarily a fine wine shop and specialty grocer, with an on‑premise wine bar (approx. 20 seats) in the rear of the store. The GM will run a high‑volume wine and food retail operation alongside the bar program. Qualified candidates should have a background in food/wine retail, fine dining operations, or both.

We're also hiring for hourly support positions.

Compensation: $75,000–$80,000 annual salary, which includes up to $5,000 in annual bonus potential based on meeting or exceeding pre‑established financial metrics. Paid time off, wine education reimbursement, and other benefits available after a standard probationary period.

Core Responsibilities:

Operations & Guest Experience

• Oversee day‑to‑day retail operations, including stocking shelves, receiving and checking in product deliveries, labeling, pricing, and maintaining an organized, well‑presented shop floor
• Manage invoices, vendor relations, and ordering to keep inventory accurate and well‑stocked across both the retail shop and wine bar
• Monitor margins and pricing across retail and bar offerings, adjusting as needed to hit financial targets
• Oversee guest‑facing service across the shop and bar, including seating, service coordination, and resolving guest concerns
• Maintain quality and freshness standards for wine, food, and retail products, and ensure staff can speak knowledgeably to guests
• Establish and enforce operating policies, procedures, and productivity/service standards
• Maintain a safe, sanitary, and secure environment; ensure compliance with health, safety, and alcohol licensing regulations

Team Leadership & HR

• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, schedule, and coach staff (servers, hosts, bartenders, support staff), fostering a culture of accountability and excellence
• Set job expectations, conduct performance reviews, and manage compensation actions and disciplinary matters
• Optimize staff scheduling to meet business needs while controlling labor costs

Vendor & Financial Management

• Source and negotiate with suppliers; maintain preferred vendor lists and evaluate usage/cost reports
• Prepare and manage budgets; monitor expenses and financial controls; analyze variances and take corrective action
• Develop strategies to drive revenue growth, including promotions, events, loyalty programs, and marketing initiatives

Culture & Professional Standards

• Report to work on time, prepared, with a positive and professional attitude
• Maintain a polished, dress‑code‑compliant appearance reflecting the brand's elegance
• Contribute to and embody Volta's culture, vision, and core values
• Stay current on food & wine industry trends through ongoing professional development

Required Qualifications:

• Passion for fine food & wine, beer, sake, and specialty beverages — especially small family producers and organic products
• Strong working knowledge of worldwide wines, with the ability to communicate confidently with guests and staff
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with a track record of mentoring staff
• Ownership mentality — proactively identifies and pursues opportunities to add value
• Strong problem‑solving skills and composure under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across guests, staff, and suppliers
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in hospitality
• Fluent in English (speaking, reading, writing)
• High attention to detail, speed, and accuracy

Physical Requirements (with or without accommodation)

• Ability to lift and transport up to 40 lbs repeatedly
• Ability to stand and remain active for 8–10 hour shifts
• Ability to tolerate hot, cold, and fluctuating temperatures