WineTalent is working with our confidential client on a Cellar Operations Manager search in Eastern Washington State
About the Company: Our client has a custom crush winery operation in Eastern Washington that serves clients’ winemaking needs from grape to bottle. The winery has capacity to expand production and can make all wines, including sparkling wines.
About the Position: The Cellar Operations Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the winery. The position will be responsible for establishing policies and procedures, creating production efficiencies, managing the operations team and interfacing with custom crush clients.
Responsibilities:
- Facilities Management
- Oversee all winery operations including but not limited to custom crush, barrel storage/maintenance, bottling line, inbound and outbound logistics, third party client/vendor coordination, etc.
- Plan and negotiate the purchase of winery equipment, production materials and packaging supplies. Submit capital expenses and adhere to annual budget of expenses, operations, equipment rentals, etc.
- Implement and manage safety and compliance programs
- Production Oversight & Team Management
- Manage, train and mentor all cellar crew by ensuring strong communication channels.
- Establish protocols, standard operating procedures, and train employees in these procedures and hold all accountable.
- Recruit, hire and onboard high-quality employees throughout the year, including peak periods (harvest and bottling)
- Logistics
- Manage Operations Manager to ensure timely availability of materials for all aspects of winemaking
- Coordinate with suppliers and ensure the availability of necessary production resources.
- Quality Control
- Implement and maintain quality control processes across all winemaking functions
- Collaborate with client winemakers/owners to address quality concerns and implement improvements.
- Client Relations
- Communicate with client winemakers to understand their production requirements.
- Foster positive relationships with clients to enhance satisfaction and retention.
- Review all client protocols and ensure those are understood and met by all cellar crew assigned to each individual client.
- Budget Management & Cost Control
- Co-manage annual budgets for winemaking operations.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
- Other
- Ensure compliance with state and federal government reporting requirements, including preparation and filing of monthly operation and tax reports
- Market, negotiate and coordinate bulk and private label wine sales
Qualifications:
- 8 or more years of winemaking experience and familiarity with an array of winery operations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology, Chemistry, Food Science, Fermentation or closely related discipline. Work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.
- Experience managing a production team.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective team management. Ability to communicate with clients and address their needs.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address production challenges. Proactive in identifying and resolving issues.
- Ability to adapt to changing industry trends and regulations. Flexibility in managing diverse client requirements.
Compensation and Benefits:
- This is a full-time, salaried position. The anticipated initial compensation range is $85,000 to $100,000 base salary.
- Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, paid time off, paid holidays and 401(k) with a company match.
About WineTalent: WineTalent is a wine industry focused recruitment company. We work closely with our clients and our job seekers to find the right fit of talents, experience and work environment. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.
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