Premium Cigar General Manager

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Leads overall operations for the premium cigar business across the retail store and bar/lounge. Oversee team (Store Manager and Bar Manager) while directly owning premium cigar purchasing/wholesale functions, vendor relations, pricing, and inventory integrity. Ensures the humidor and product mix meet quality standards, regulations are followed for alcohol/tobacco, and the customer experience matches brand expectations. Partners with accounting, marketing, and warehouse/receiving to keep the business tight, compliant, and profitable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES: 

• Lead all premium cigar purchasing for wholesale and retail, including ordering, allocations, pricing, and product setup.
• Build strong relationships with manufacturers and distributors; manage promotions, new product launches, and vendor negotiations.
• Oversee inventory integrity and humidor conditions, including counts, variances, rotation, and product quality standards.
• Develop and maintain cigar assortment strategies and planograms; advise sales teams and support key customer accounts.
• Monitor category performance, margins, and costs; make recommendations on pricing, promotions, and purchasing levels.
• Support store and bar operations through the Store Manager and Bar Manager, ensuring high service standards and compliance.
• Oversee cash handling accuracy, daily sales reporting, and resolution of variances.
• Approve event calendars, promotions, and related budgets; support execution of in-store experiences.
• Ensure full compliance with alcohol and tobacco regulations, responsible vendor requirements, and company safety standards.
• Partner with marketing teams on campaigns, product content, and event promotion.
• Represent the brand at industry conventions and trade shows 1–2 times per year.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to conduct training;
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years in cigar retail/wholesale, tobacco category management, or specialty retail management; hospitality/bar oversight experience strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of premium cigars (brands, blends, storage standards, seasons, allocations) and humidor operations.
• Proven experience with purchasing, vendor management, pricing, and inventory control.
• Comfortable leading managers; capable of balancing coaching with accountability.
• Proficient with POS, inventory systems, and credit card processors (Heartland or similar).
• Valid driver’s license; occasional local deliveries to key accounts.
• Must meet legal requirements for alcohol and tobacco sales/handling.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Medical, Dental, & Vision packages
• Employer paid basic life policy with competitive buy-up options
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not currently have direct supervisory responsibilities but will provide coaching, guidance, and accountability expectations to supervisors and employees regarding safety performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands of this job include strenuous mental activities related to instructing personnel and some physical activity.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, climb steps or ramps. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee may lift 20-40 pounds when needed and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a office, smoking environment and in temperature-controlled humidor spaces, with occasional warehouse visits. The noise level of the work environment is usually low to moderate.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT:

All employees of the Company are employees’ at-will and, as such, are free to resign at any time without reason.  The Company, likewise, retains the right to terminate an employee's employment at any time with or without reason or notice.  Nothing contained in the Employee Handbook, or any document provided to the employee is intended to be, nor should it be, construed as a guarantee that employment or any benefit will be continued for any period.  Any salary figures provided to an employee in annual or monthly terms are stated for the sake of convenience or to facilitate comparisons and are not intended and do not create an employment contract for any specific period.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY:

Imperial Trading Co., LLC hiring and employment practices are based on job qualifications, performance, and/or conduct without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.