General Manager

Farm Operations, Hospitality, Agritourism

Windy Hill Estate

Orchard, Vineyard, Cidery, Winery, Farm Store

1297 Brookview Station Rd.

Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033

Company Description

Windy Hill Estate, the Capital Region’s longest family-owned apple farm, is entering an exciting new chapter under the ownership of agricultural entrepreneurs Neviana Zhgaba and Ardian Llomi—owners of the award-winning Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Connecticut.

Rooted in over 115 years of agricultural heritage, the estate is being thoughtfully reimagined into a premier agri-tourism destination. Set to reopen in Summer 2026, Windy Hill will blend tradition with innovation through a revitalized orchard, newly planted vineyard, cidery and winery production, farm store, and curated events.

With a vision centered on experience, community, and quality, Windy Hill Estate aims to become one of the region’s most sought-after New York destinations—where agriculture, hospitality, sustainability, and culture come together.

Role Description

The General Manager at Windy Hill Estate is a full-time, on-site leadership role based in New York’s Capital Region. This individual will oversee all day-to-day operations across the estate, including the orchard, vineyard, cidery, winery, farm store, and events.

The General Manager will lead and develop a cross-functional team, coordinate with vendors and partners, and ensure operational excellence across all areas of the business. This role is responsible for delivering a high-quality guest experience while driving revenue growth, managing budgets, and optimizing performance.

Working closely with ownership and key team members—including the Farm Manager—the General Manager will help execute the vision of transforming Windy Hill Estate into a leading agri-tourism destination. This includes balancing the preservation of the property’s legacy with innovative strategies that enhance efficiency, expand offerings, and create memorable, experience-driven moments for guests.

As the General Manager, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Operations & Leadership

Lead and oversee business operations across all lines, partnering closely with key leaders to align teams and drive execution of the overall business vision.
Serve as the primary on-site leader, aligning all departments with ownership’s vision and strategic goals
Build, train, and lead a high-performing, cross-functional team
Establish and refine SOPs, systems, and workflows to drive efficiency, and scalability

Team Collaboration & Workforce Management

Work closely with the Farm Manager, Events Coordinator, and Winemaker, partnering to ensure seamless operations across agriculture, events, and guest experience
Recruit, train, schedule, and manage full-time and seasonal staff
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and pride while ensuring productivity, quality, and safety

Farm Operations & Property Oversight

Partner with the Farm Manager to oversee orchard and vineyard operations, including crop planning, pruning, spraying, irrigation, and harvest
Ensure proper maintenance and utilization of equipment, facilities, and overall property presentation
Oversee repairs, capital improvements, and the safety and cleanliness of the estate

Guest Experience, Events & Hospitality

Ensure a high-quality, consistent guest experience across all touchpoints
Oversee reservations, private events, and on-site experiences
Address guest needs and resolve issues with a hospitality-first approach

Revenue Growth, Retail & Business Strategy

Drive revenue across farm sales, retail, events, and agritourism
Oversee farm store operations, including merchandising, inventory, and vendor relationships
Identify and implement new experiences, partnerships, and offerings to grow the business
Analyze performance and optimize pricing, operations, and profitability

Marketing, Community & Brand

Collaborate with key staff to execute marketing initiatives across social media, email, and event platforms
Align campaigns with seasonal programming and event strategy
Represent Windy Hill Estate in the community and build strong customer and wholesale relationships

Financial Management & Compliance

Manage budgets, purchasing, payroll coordination, and financial performance tracking
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including DEC, OSHA, EPA, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, NYS Liquor Authority, and other agricultural, labor, food safety, and alcohol production requirements.
Oversee safety protocols, certifications, and inspection readiness

Qualifications

Strong leadership and team management experience in hospitality, agriculture, or a related field
Proven ability to manage operations, budgets, and compliance
Experience with events, marketing, and community engagement
Knowledge of orchard, vineyard, or farm operations preferred
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Highly organized, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, or Hospitality Management preferred

Who You Are

A hands-on leader who takes ownership and leads by example
A builder who thrives in creating and scaling something meaningful
A strategic thinker who can also execute day-to-day operations
A leader who balances structure with creativity and vision

Compensation & Growth

• Salary range: $75,000 – $105,000, commensurate with experience

• Performance-based bonuses tied to operational success and overall business growth

• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing agri-tourism destination

• Future benefits to be introduced as the business expands, including 401(k) and additional long-term incentives

Work Schedule

This is a full-time role with a dynamic schedule driven by seasonal demands. Flexibility is required, including extended hours, weekends, and holidays during peak periods.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Windy Hill Estate is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

Featured Companies

Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards

Outshinery

general manager jobs

General Manager