General Manager – Song Dog Distilling & Cocktail Bar
Position Title: General Manager
Location: Montgomery County, MD
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
Song Dog Distilling is a new family-owned farm-craft distillery and cocktail bar dedicated to creating exceptional grain-to-glass local spirits and a unique guest experience. We focus on producing high-quality, small-batch spirits while fostering a welcoming atmosphere where creativity, terroir, and hospitality shine. We are seeking a passionate and experienced General Manager to lead our team and oversee all aspects of our FOH operation.
Position Overview
The General Manager will be responsible for the overall success of our FOH program in collaboration with the Slow Drinks hospitality consulting team. This role combines operational management, team leadership, and a deep understanding of the craft spirits and hospitality industries. The GM will ensure excellence in production, service, and guest experience while driving sales, profitability, and growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Management:
- Recruit, hire, train, and manage a high-performing team across FOH, events and tour operations.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and motivated work environment.
- Set clear performance goals and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities.
- Operations Management:
- Oversee daily operations, inventory, staffing, and service standards.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including health, safety, and alcohol laws.
- Implement and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure efficiency and consistency.
- Financial Management:
- Develop and manage budgets, monitor financial performance and control costs.
- Analyze sales data and craft strategies to maximize revenue and profitability.
- Work closely with ownership to align operations with business goals.
- Guest Experience & Brand Building:
- Cultivate an outstanding guest experience, ensuring high service and product quality.
- Collaborate on menu and bar-specific product development with the distillery and bar teams.
- Marketing & Community Engagement:
- Partner with marketing teams to create and execute promotional campaigns.
- Build relationships with local businesses, vendors, and community organizations to drive traffic and brand loyalty.
Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in hospitality management, preferably in a craft distillery, brewery, or upscale bar/restaurant environment.
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team.
- Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with distilling processes, cocktail culture, and craft beverage trends.
- Business Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L analysis.
- Customer Focus: Passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
- Problem-solving: Ability to make strategic decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of alcohol production, distribution, and service laws.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Opportunity to shape the vision of a growing brand.
- Discounts on products and experiences.
- A supportive and innovative work environment.
- Significant growth opportunities within our new family business.
