At Pursuit Spirits, we’re redefining the whiskey experience. Born from the creators of the award-winning Bourbon Pursuit podcast, we blend our deep industry knowledge with bold creativity to craft unique and high-quality American whiskeys that have captured the hearts of enthusiasts. We make whiskey for those who know good whiskey.
As a small dynamic team, we’re creating a movement. With our soon-to-open visitor experience on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, we’ll offer immersive one-of-a-kind experiences, hands-on educational sessions, a retail shop and transformative cocktail and tasting bar for more people to join the pursuit.
Our Core Values
- We are obsessed with customer success. Our growth is anchored by every distributor, supplier and retail customer that believes in our pursuit.
- We don’t take ourselves too seriously but we do seriously good work. Our passion delivers excellence by improving ourselves professionally and personally and we have fun in the pursuit of making moments for others.
- We defy convention and are intentional in action. We continually reimagine ourselves in pursuit of what is next.
- We don’t see problems, only solutions. We rely on each other as a team and are quick to resolve issues, while being empowered to make the best decisions with good intentions to further our pursuit.
- We may not agree but we’re honest and build trust through accountability. We value diverse perspectives and take collective responsibility, while holding ourselves and each other accountable, in the pursuit of our shared goals.
Why Should You Come Work With Us?
- Be a Trailblazer: We aren’t some stodgy corporation. Work alongside a very small team of passionate individuals who want to shape the future of the whiskey experience in a fast-paced startup.
- Growth and Creativity: You won’t be stuck in a box. Collaborate in a fast-growing, dynamic company that encourages new ideas and creative freedom to discover new solutions.
- Best In Class: We don’t mess with mediocre. Play an integral part in delivering unforgettable moments for whiskey lovers through our products, storytelling, and visitor experience.
- Enjoy the Perks: Join a team that values work-life balance with opportunities for professional growth.
The Role
Pursuit Spirits is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead and manage all aspects of the Whiskey Row retail and tasting experiences. This individual will have a strong background in both retail operations and bar management, with a passion for providing unparalleled guest experiences. The GM will ensure operational excellence, motivate staff, and oversee all facets of the Whiskey Row Experience to create a vibrant and engaging environment for customers. This is a highly visible and critical role. You will be reporting directly to the Co-Founders.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Management
- Manage all aspects of the Whiskey Row retail, tasting and cocktail bar experiences, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Supervise the Lead Bartender and Head of Guest Experience, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
- Recruit, hire, and onboard Experience Personnel and Bartenders, ensuring they embody the Pursuit Spirits core values.
- Build and manage employee schedules based on booked experiences, optimizing floor rotation and staffing needs.
- Motivate staff to achieve growth, ensure customer satisfaction, and maintain a positive and inclusive work environment.
- Operations & Logistics
- Monitor and maintain inventory for all materials needed for experiences, including glass bottles, tasters, and labels.
- Ensure sufficient knowledge and functionality of all equipment used in retail and tasting experiences.
- Manage the POS system with items and inventory tracking.
- Maintain and schedule routine service or repairs for equipment, POS systems, and the building as needed.
- Analyze POS data to identify trends, optimize product offerings, and enhance guest experiences.
- Collaborate with the Operations Manager to coordinate logistics for private events, ensuring smooth arrival, setup, and execution.
- Evaluate all operational aspects of Whiskey Row to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements.
- Ensure safety practices and procedures are followed and proper emergency and security procedures are maintained.
- Inventory & Procurement
- Manage inventory for the gift shop by determining what needs to be pulled from the warehouse.
- Motivate experience staff to continually restock shelves and maintain a tidy retail environment.
- Accurately track and maintain inventory for the retail floor and bar.
- Work with Procurement to submit purchase orders in advance to ensure products, styles and sizes are consistently stocked.
- Financial Management
- Oversee expenses and payroll for Whiskey Row staff.
- Manage tip pools for experience and bar staff.
- Analyze P&L statements, forecast growth, and identify areas of opportunity for improvement.
- Manage POS cash balances, ensuring accurate financial reporting and accountability.
- Compliance & Guest Experience
- Ensure all staff comply with state laws regarding alcohol service and consumption.
- Maintain a clean, welcoming, and engaging environment for guests.
- Continuously evaluate the guest experience to enhance offerings, resolve issues, and deliver exceptional service.
Qualifications
- Experience:
- Proven leadership experience in retail and bar operations.
- Experience managing a team and scheduling in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong background in inventory management, logistics, and operational efficiency.
- In-depth knowledge of Square POS systems and ability to analyze data to drive business decisions.
- Skills:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, combined with strong interpersonal skills – to engage and inspire team members and senior leadership.
- Candidates must have strong strategic skills and the ability to effectively forecast business needs and develop comprehensive solutions to complex problems
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure operational excellence.
- Possess the skills to manage conflict, lead conflict resolution & hold others accountable.
- Be able to organize multiple priorities to ensure that resources are properly allocated to meet objectives.
- Financial acumen with experience analyzing P&L statements and managing budgets.
- Other Requirements:
- Be able to work a flexible work week, and work nights, weekends, and holidays depending on business needs.
- Knowledge of state laws regarding alcohol service and consumption.
- Three (3) years of experience in sales, management, or people development. Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Hospitality or a related field preferred.
- Be able to stand for extended periods of time, climb up and down a ladder, move throughout the store, and lift 30 lb. box overhead.
- Passion for creating exceptional guest experiences and a strong affinity for the spirits industry.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary starting at $70k-$80k annually with a quarterly bonus based on achieving goals.
- Paid time off
- Opportunity to lead and grow a flagship experience for Pursuit Spirits.
- Join a dynamic and passionate team in a rapidly growing company.
If you’re a results-oriented leader with a passion for hospitality, retail, and creating unforgettable experiences, we want to hear from you. Apply today to join the Pursuit Spirits team and help bring the Whiskey Row Experience to life!
Pursuit Spirits is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.