Hospitality & Local Foods Program Manager at Oakley Farm | 2025 Job Description

About. Oakley Farm is a 65 acre historic property situated in Warm Springs, in the heart of Bath County, Virginia. The farm encompasses 4 acres of a high-density apple orchard, Troddenvale’s cider production, as well as a tasting room and events program. Oakley Farm is also the hub for Foodlore, a local foods initiative focused on regenerative agriculture. As we prepare to launch The Village Kitchen, a new commercial kitchen program at Oakley Farm, we are looking for passionate individuals to contribute to building a thriving rural food system here in western Virginia.

Responsibilities. The scope of work will include but not be limited to the following:

DTC CIDER SALES & HOSPITALITY

• Manage direct-to-consumer sales outlets for Troddenvale, including cider-club and direct shipments, as well as in-person retail sales through the tasting room open hours and events. 

• Hospitality for visitors to the farm through experience-based tourism, including story-telling of our farming practices, cider production, and the history of the farm.

• Responsibilities include:

• Oversee on-site sales of cider and cider club subscriptions

• Host tastings, educational experiences, and collaborative events on the farm

• Manage Tock reservation system

• Customer service and fulfillment for online orders and shipments through Vinoshipper

• Support with inventory management, and monthly compliance reporting

LOCAL FOOD PROGRAM / RETAIL MARKET 

• Oversee a local food program and weekly shop called Foodlore Provisions, including procurement / farmer relations, order fulfillment, customer service, and inventory management. 

• Manage weekly ordering for the Foodlore Supper Club and ready-to-eat food offering, including a local, seasonal menu available for on-site consumption as well as to-go. 

• Promote weekly offering through marketing outlets including website, newsletter, and social media outlets.

• Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with a network of farmers / vendors to procure a seasonal offering of local goods

• Manage POS system, including inventory, pricing, order fulfillment, and monthly reporting

• Design marketing materials, write weekly newsletters, and photography

• Engage with customers to ensure a positive experience

EVENT COORDINATION

• Manage a weekly event called Foodlore Fridays, including organizing visiting chefs, live music, and other workshops and activities. May also include support for other internal collaborative events, such as workshops, seminars, and dinners (i.e. Foodlore Dinner Series). 

• Facilitate private events on the farm, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, parties, and corporate events. 

• Responsibilities include:

• Respond to inquiries and support bookings for all events

• Coordinate with participants and vendors, including event layout / setup requirements

• Promote events on the farm through strategic marketing outlets 

• Oversee event execution and break-down 

START-UP KITCHEN PROJECT

• Support launching a new commercial kitchen project at Oakley Farm - The Village Kitchen - through the construction phase in 2025 and launching in 2026. 

• Responsibilities may include: 

• Develop program structure and design marketing materials

• Compliance support with local food-safety agencies

• Networking with local farmers and regional chefs

• Outreach for strategic partnerships with local organizations

OTHER

• This role is evolving and may include other tasks to support the operation of a small, family run business. 

• Administrative / business operations support

• Cider production support - apple picking, fruit pressing, labeling 

Timing. This position is available beginning in February 2025.

Compensation. Full-time, hourly position at  $18 - 25 / hr with the opportunity to grow into a salaried position. DOE.

How to Apply. Please email us a cover letter describing your past experience and interest in the role, along with a current resume to info@troddenvale.com.