Emily Newman
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Dynamic and creative professional with a Certified Sommelier designation, and a strong background in hospitality, sales, and brand education. Adept at building lasting relationships, driving customer engagement, and curating memorable experiences that connect people to products and stories. Known for translating deep product knowledge into approachable, compelling messaging. Eager to bring a passion for storytelling, strategic thinking, and customer-centric marketing to a dynamic brand or agency environment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Consultant
Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits
Philadelphia, PA
02.2024 - Current
- Manage a portfolio of over 100 restaurant, hospitality, and catering accounts in the Center City, Philadelphia, market, providing tailored wine and spirits solutions to meet client needs.
- Build and nurture strong relationships with buyers, beverage directors, and chefs to support sales growth and product placement.
- Curate and recommend product selections based on seasonal menus, trends, and business objectives, leveraging deep knowledge of fine wine, spirits, and market dynamics.
- Partner with supplier representatives to coordinate brand initiatives, product launches, and educational tastings.
- Conduct in-depth staff trainings and presentations to enhance product knowledge and elevate service standards across accounts.
- Utilize consultative selling techniques and data-driven insights to meet and exceed sales goals, while delivering exceptional client value.
- Act as a liaison between clients and suppliers to streamline ordering, troubleshoot issues, and maintain account satisfaction.
Sommelier / Wine and Beverage Director
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
Philadelphia, PA
07.2021 - 02.2024
- Led the beverage program for a premier fine dining steakhouse, managing a globally curated 800+ label wine list, alongside premium spirits, and craft beer offerings.
- Delivered personalized wine pairings and recommendations to enhance guest experience, drive sales, and build brand loyalty.
- Organized and facilitated private wine dinners, brand activations, and in-house tasting events to engage guests and elevate brand perception.
- Trained and mentored staff in wine knowledge, service excellence, and product storytelling, fostering a culture of professionalism and passion.
- Oversaw all beverage inventory, including purchasing, cost control, and reconciliation of a 7,000+ bottle cellar, maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
- Cultivated relationships with suppliers, distributors, and brand reps to ensure access to high-quality, exclusive product offerings.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with culinary and management teams to align beverage strategy with seasonal menus, guest preferences, and business goals.
- Recognized for maintaining a high standard of service and hospitality in a fast-paced, high-volume luxury environment.
Beverage Manager / Service Manager / Interim Opera
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Radnor, PA
07.2017 - 07.2021
- Directed all aspects of the restaurant’s beverage program, including wine list development, seasonal cocktail creation, and beer curation, with an emphasis on variety, quality, and guest appeal.
- Managed procurement and organization of a 500+ SKU beverage inventory, ensuring cost control, compliance, and product consistency.
- Built and maintained strong vendor and distributor relationships to secure exclusive offerings, negotiate pricing, and stay ahead of industry trends.
- Designed and led monthly wine classes, staff tastings, and daily pre-shift education to strengthen product knowledge, and improve upselling capabilities.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences through customized wine pairings, immersive tasting events, and curated wine dinners.
- Promoted a sales-forward culture, leveraging beverage offerings to drive revenue, while enhancing brand identity and guest satisfaction.
- Oversaw daily operations in an interim Operating Partner capacity, leading a 50+ person front and back-of-house team, optimizing service flow, and maintaining high service standards.
- Ensured compliance with Pennsylvania’s alcohol service regulations, and implemented best practices in food safety and hospitality management.
- Played a key role in training, performance management, and team development, fostering a collaborative and service-focused work environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC05-2017
Skills
- Marketing and brand strategy: B2B sales and marketing, consumer engagement, brand storytelling, experiential marketing, content creation
- Client relations and sales enablement: B2B account management, consultative sales, client onboarding, and vendor relationship management
- Event planning and execution
- Digital tools and platforms: Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, fintech, POS systems, CRM tools, event planning software, SAP
- Inventory and operations management
- Communication and Education: Team training, public speaking, cross-functional collaboration
Certification
- Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers – March 2022
- WSET Level 2, Wine & Spirits Education Trust – August 2020
Consulting & Community Engagement
- Judge, Pennsylvania Sommelier Wine Judgement
- Member, Sons of Enology
- Wine Consultant for private events and education
Timeline
Sales Consultant
Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits
02.2024 - Current
Sommelier / Wine and Beverage Director
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
07.2021 - 02.2024
Beverage Manager / Service Manager / Interim Opera
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
07.2017 - 07.2021
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of South Carolina
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