Assistant Taproom Manager

Analytical Brewing - Assistant Taproom Manager (Hospitality & Operations)

Role Purpose

The Assistant Taproom Manager supports the Taproom Manager in delivering safe, reliable, and guest-focused taproom operations at Analytical Brewing Peoria. This role leads shifts, reinforces service standards, supports staffing and onboarding, helps maintain SOP and compliance routines, and assists with inventory, cash handling, and event execution to ensure consistent quality, smooth service, and an exceptional guest experience.

Success in this role means:

• Taproom operations run predictably, with strong SOP compliance and excellent guest service standards.
• Facility and staff are consistently guest-ready (cleanliness, service, inspection readiness).
• Inventory and supplies are managed to support taproom and event needs.
• Events are executed smoothly with proper planning, staffing, and vendor coordination.
• Labor and scheduling are accurate, with timely payroll and clear communication.
• New hires are onboarded efficiently and reach service competency quickly.
• KPIs and costs trend positively through ongoing improvement efforts.

Core Areas of Responsibility

1. Taproom Operations Leadership & Execution

· Lead and manage assigned taproom shifts, ensuring smooth openings/closings, strong pace, and consistent service execution.

· Support daily operational routines (walkthroughs, sidework, cleaning plans, shift notes) to keep the taproom guest-ready at all times.

· Assist the Taproom Manager with purchasing, vendor coordination, and facilities follow-up to remove operational constraints.

· Maintain accurate cash-handling practices (as assigned), including drawer counts, deposits, and discrepancy reporting.

· Sets example of great service under high pressure situations

2. Hospitality, Food Service & Guest Experience

· Deliver outstanding guest experience through presence on the floor, coaching in the moment, and consistent brand presentation.

· Support FOH/BOH coordination to maintain ticket flow, quality, and timeliness; address bottlenecks and escalate issues appropriately.

· Handle guest recovery professionally and document recurring issues and opportunities for improvement.

· Support responsible alcohol service standards and ensure staff follow house policies and ID verification practices.

· Use hospitality systems and tools (including GoTab POS) to support smooth shift execution, accurate reporting, and issue resolution.

3. People Leadership, Staffing, Onboarding & Training

· Help execute staffing plans by supporting hiring, interview coordination, and onboarding logistics.

· Train and coach taproom staff on SOPs, menu knowledge, service standards, and safety expectations; reinforce performance through real-time feedback.

· Support scheduling coverage by communicating availability needs, managing shift swaps per policy, and escalating coverage risks early.

· Assist with timekeeping practices and ensure team members clock in/out correctly; flag exceptions for payroll close.

4. SOPs, Compliance, Safety & Quality

· Reinforce SOP adherence across opening/closing, cleaning/sanitation, cash handling, and service standards; identify gaps and propose updates.

· Support food safety, sanitation, and allergen controls (as applicable), including documentation and inspection readiness.

· Maintain a safe environment for guests and staff by addressing hazards promptly and documenting incidents per policy.

5. Inventory, Beer/NA Product Quality & Materials Flow

· Assist with inventory counts and par-level management for beer, N/A beverages, merchandise, and hospitality supplies.

· Ensure product freshness and quality on draft and packaged offerings (line checks, rotation, storage standards) and escalate quality issues to the Taproom Manager/Head Brewer.

· Coordinate with production/distribution teams on deliveries, product changeovers, and inventory needs for service and events.

6. Financial Discipline, KPIs & Continuous Improvement

· Support cost control by reducing waste, enforcing portioning and comp policies, and ensuring accurate comps/voids documentation.

· Track and communicate basic operational indicators (sales by daypart, labor vs. staffing plan, guest feedback themes) and contribute to improvement actions.

· Participate in structured reviews (shift debriefs, weekly check-ins) and help implement corrective actions.

7. Event Support & Execution

· Support event operations (beer releases, community activations, private events) by executing run-of-show, staffing coverage, vendor coordination, and guest flow plans.

· Ensure event spaces are set, stocked, and cleaned to standard; communicate readiness risks and last-minute needs.

Qualifications

· 2+ years of hospitality, taproom, or restaurant experience; lead/supervisor experience strongly preferred.

· Demonstrated ability to coach performance, maintain standards, and lead teams during high-volume service.

· Experience with scheduling support, onboarding, and training; able to drive consistency through SOPs and checklists.

· Working knowledge of POS systems and cash-handling best practices; experience with GoTab POS preferred.

· Basic understanding of inventory controls (counts, par levels, receiving) and cost awareness (waste reduction, comp/void discipline).

· Comfortable with guest recovery, conflict de-escalation, and communicating clearly with FOH/BOH and management.

· ServSafe and/or TIPS and BASSETT certification (or ability to obtain upon hire) preferred; food handler and allergen training as required by role/location.

· Experience with expediting food and ensuring high food quality.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Work occurs across taproom, kitchen, patio, and event environments; exposure to typical brewery conditions (noise, temperature variation, wet floors).
• Comfortable with physical demands (standing/walking for extended periods, lifting and moving product/supplies, working in tight or wet spaces).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform occasional bending, reaching, and stair climbing as needed.

Eligibility & Scheduling

• Must be able to reliably commute to Analytical Brewing Peoria.
• Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require (taproom hours, production needs, and events).
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and be 21+.

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Hospitality: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Peoria, IL 61602 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person