| Location | AIKEN, SC |
| Salary | $50,000–$60,000 Per Year |
The Willcox | Aiken, South Carolina
Position: Full-Time | Management
The Willcox is a historic luxury boutique hotel and award-winning restaurant located in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina. Known for our exceptional hospitality, refined dining, and extensive wine program, we take pride in creating memorable experiences for every guest.
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Restaurant Manager / Sommelier to join our leadership team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in fine dining, extensive wine knowledge, and a genuine passion for hospitality.
Restaurant Management
Oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional service and guest satisfaction.
Lead, train, and motivate front-of-house staff to maintain the highest hospitality standards.
Manage dining room operations, reservations, staffing, and service execution.
Work closely with the Executive Chef and management team to deliver a seamless dining experience.
Address guest concerns professionally and ensure prompt resolution.
Monitor labor costs, beverage costs, inventory, and overall operational efficiency.
Maintain a polished, welcoming, and professional dining environment.
Wine & Beverage Program
Oversee and continuously develop The Willcox's award-winning wine program.
Manage wine purchasing, inventory, pricing, and cost controls.
Provide knowledgeable wine recommendations and pairings to guests.
Train and educate service staff on wine knowledge, proper service, and suggestive selling.
Help organize and host wine tastings, wine dinners, and other beverage-focused experiences.
Maintain relationships with wine distributors and suppliers.
Identify opportunities to increase wine sales while maintaining profitability.
Minimum 3 years of restaurant management experience, preferably in fine dining or luxury hospitality.
Strong wine knowledge and experience managing a wine program.
Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, or equivalent training is strongly preferred.
Proven leadership, communication, and staff development skills.
Strong understanding of restaurant financials, inventory management, and beverage cost controls.
Exceptional attention to detail and a genuine commitment to guest service.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
We're looking for more than someone who knows wine. We want a hospitality professional who enjoys being on the floor, building relationships with guests, developing their team, and taking ownership of the dining experience.
The right candidate will combine the knowledge and sophistication of a sommelier with the leadership, accountability, and hands-on approach of an outstanding restaurant manager.
Work in one of the Southeast's most recognized historic boutique hotels.
Help lead an established, award-winning restaurant and wine program.
Join a dedicated team that values hospitality, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our guest experience and continued success.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their résumé along with a brief introduction highlighting their restaurant management experience and wine background to:
Matthew Sayer
msayer@thewillcox.com
The Willcox
100 Colleton Avenue SW
Aiken, SC 29801
The Willcox is an equal opportunity employer.