Second in Charge 2IC

Wine Retail and Bar 2IC | Mornington PeninsuAbout the Role

As our Second-in-Charge (2IC), you'll work closely with the owner across every aspect of The Bodega, helping lead a business where exceptional wine and genuine hospitality go hand in hand.

While this is a hands-on operational role, wine sits at the centre of everything we do. You'll play an active role in helping customers discover new wines, confidently recommending wines from our carefully curated collection, supporting our Resident Winery program, and contributing to the welcoming, knowledgeable experience our guests have come to expect.

You'll divide your time between the wine floor, customer service and kitchen operations, ensuring every aspect of the venue consistently reflects our commitment to quality, consistency and genuine hospitality. Whether you're recommending the perfect bottle, preparing food, leading a busy service or managing the day-to-day operation of the venue, you'll lead by example and help maintain the standards that define The Bodega.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver knowledgeable, confident wine recommendations tailored to each guest
• Maintain a thorough understanding of our wine range, producers and regions
• Support our monthly Resident Winery program and wine events
• Maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation and service
• Deliver exceptional front of house hospitality and customer engagement
• Lead service periods and support the team through busy trading
• Manage daily ordering requirements and periodic stocktakes
• Liaise professionally with wine and food suppliers
• Receive deliveries, complete stock check-offs and maintain food safety standards
• Resolve supplier discrepancies promptly and professionally
• Complete daily reporting accurately
• Assist in maintaining an engaging and well-presented retail wine display

Essential Skills & Experience

• Current RSA Certificate
• Current Food Handling Certificate
• Previous experience in wine-focused hospitality, premium beverage service or wine retail
• A genuine passion for wine and developing wine knowledge
• Confidence recommending wines and engaging in wine conversations
• Experience in fast-paced hospitality
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Confidence working independently and within a small team
• Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday availability
• Availability throughout November–April

Highly Regarded

• WSET qualification or equivalent wine education
• Previous experience in wine retail or boutique wine bars
• Experience ordering wine and beverage stock
• Existing knowledge of Australian wine producers, particularly Mornington Peninsula wineries
• Allergen Certificate
• Experience ordering to par levels
• Artistic food presentation
• Kitchen and food handling experience

About you

Wine genuinely excites you.

You enjoy learning about producers, regions and vintages, and you love sharing that knowledge in a way that's welcoming, engaging and never pretentious. Whether you're helping someone choose a bottle to take home or recommending the perfect glass to accompany their meal, you understand that great hospitality starts with listening and making people feel comfortable.

At the same time, you're happy to jump wherever the business needs you. You're comfortable preparing food, leading service, receiving deliveries and completing the necessary tasks the business requires. You understand that in a small business everyone contributes, no task is beneath anyone, and leadership means setting the standard through your actions.

You take pride in consistency, quality, and executing on the promise of the Brand, and you want to be part of a business that values and supports independent Australian wine producers and creates memorable experiences.