Director, Winemaking (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Arterra Wines Canada

  Niagara Falls, Ontario

Job Description:

At Arterra Wines Canada, we love inspiring the big and small moments that happen when our products are shared and enjoyed.  For us it’s not just about what’s in and on the bottle, it’s what happens in people’s lives when we’re a part of them that keeps us thirsting for more and not resting on our laurels as Canada’s largest and most enjoyed wine company.  We put the consumer at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for people who do the same.

Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Director of Winemaking will oversee all winemaking responsibilities and staff related to Arterra Canada Ontario cellar operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all winemaking processes and associated operations for the specified region to ensure:
• Wine quality / product expectations are met.
• Bulk wine / products are maintained in good condition during storage to reduce the risk of quality degradation or AD.
• All products are provided to the bottling tanks to meet the master planners schedule in such a condition to reduce risk of FG AD as much as reasonably possible.
• Compliance related to required regulations for all site winemaking activities. 
• All region’s cellar operations including harvest management
• All region’s winemaking process are managed to meet production goals based on sales forecast and bottling schedule.
• Winery capacity is best utilized.  
• OH&S, GMP, HACCP and ISO initiatives related to western cellars and winemaking are adhered to.
• NPD process is supported to ensure successful launch of new products.
• Wine system(s) are used and kept up to date.
• Stay current on industry trends and implement new winemaking technology. Interact with vendors to exploit winemaking technology and opportunities. 
• Work with the national winemaking team to establish best practices.
• Develop and execute department budget and promptly resolve any negative variances.
• Work with the capital team to deliver departmental capital projects on time within budget.
• Balance cost of good vs. target for brand.
• Lead the winemaking team, provide focus as required and ensure accountability for job responsibilities.   
• Establish challenging goals / assignments to grow and develop the team.      
• Train and develop direct reports on winemaking procedures and winemaking techniques.
• Ensure direct reports have clearly defined performance related goals (where applicable)    
• Responsible for measuring progress against goals, competencies, etc.      (where applicable)
• Develop succession plans as required for the department.
• Ensure site winemaking and cellar organizational capability is continuously improved (optimize structure, staffing, training/ development etc.)
• Lead the effective roll out of Continuous Improvement for the region winemaking / cellars team.
• Be the "face" of and serve as the technical spokesperson for the Winery Brand in the market.      
• Under the guidance of PR, conduct interviews with the press.                                      
• Deliver brand presentations to distributor groups with a charismatic and professional approach.      
• Attend events as required.
• Preform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Oenology, (Micro)Biology or Chemistry
• 9-10 years of experience in winemaking (winemaking knowledge should mirror geography, price point and varietal of location)
• 3-5 years Supervisory / Management experience
• Thorough knowledge of winemaking techniques and best viticulture practices 
• Thorough knowledge of Cellar, Lab, Bottling and Vineyard Operations

What we offer

• Competitive salary and bonus
• Benefits and Pension Plan
• Product Allowances & Safe Ride Home Program 
• An organization that cares about Corporate Social Responsibility  
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Training & Development Programs 
• An opportunity to learn about the world of wine

Number of Openings: 1

We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are also committed to preventing and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, and we invite you to inform us should you have any accessibility or accommodation needs.