WineTalent Classifieds: Member Relations Manager in Napa, CA

Job Opening:  Member Relations Manager with the Napa Valley Grapegrowers.

WineTalent is working with our client, Napa Valley Grapegrowers, on a full-time opening for a Member Relations Manager.  This person will be responsible for the overall development and execution of the organization's membership outreach plan.  The ideal candidate will have a strong sales and marketing background with a proven track record of increasing growth.  Additionally, this person will exhibit exceptional professionalism, analytical and communication skills and strategic thinking. 

To learn more about the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, please visit their website. 

RESPONSIBILITES:

Membership Outreach

·      Develop and manage membership outreach plan to increase membership

·      Host and promote regular meetings and events with current and potential NVG members to communicate the value of membership.

·      Responsible for meeting membership growth and budget goals as established annually

 Member Relations

·        Act as staff liaison to NVG membership

·        Personally meet with and regularly communicate membership benefits with existing members

·        Manage membership database of over 700 members

·        Manage custom web-based CRM platform

·        Manage membership GIS map and update as needed (no prior GIS experience required).

·        Liaise with county Assessor’s office and the Ag Commissioner’s office to maintain current and accurate Napa County parcel data

·        Manage membership dues renewal process and work with the Head of Finance to ensure that accounting and reporting is accurate and timely

·        Assess value for each membership category and make recommendations to enhance membership benefits

·        Manage the members-only section of the NVG website

·        Assist NVG Associate Director to identify and approach members about becoming an annual NVG strategic sponsor

·        Manage the ongoing Board of Directors Liaison program

 Member Events

·      Annual Membership Meeting

§ Work with NVG Executive Director to develop the meeting agenda and overall presentation program

§ Work with Committee Chairs on individual presentations

§ Create power point presentations for each Committee Chair, and upload to laptop

§ Manage the creation of the meeting packets for attendees

§ Work with NVG Event Manager on member takeaway gifts

§ Work with NVG Event Manager on overall timeline, food & beverage needs, AV requirements, etc.

§ Prepare all follow up thank you letters and membership communication

·      Work with the Marketing & Communications Committee in the development and execution of the NVG Social Club

·      Work with NVG team and committees to develop new member events and programs to increase value and benefits of membership

 Member Communications

·      Work with the Marketing & Communications Committee to fulfill the membership objectives of the Marketing Plan

·      Maintain & order inventory of NVG membership collateral materials

·      Provide input on weekly Grower Bulletin newsletters as they relate to communicating benefits of membership

·      Prepare and send membership correspondence

 Provide general support to the Board of Directors and the Executive Director

·      Prepare monthly Board of Directors membership report

·      Prepare biannual Board of Directors membership presentation

Service the goals and objectives of the NVG Strategic Plan

Miscellaneous administrative duties and event support

QUALIFICATIONS:

• ·      At least 5 years in related position
• ·      Superior writing and verbal communication skills
• ·      Experience or interest in Napa Valley winegrape growing
• ·      Highly motivated work ethic and organizational skills
• ·      Strong interpersonal skills and an outgoing personality
• ·      Advanced abilities to create, maintain, and report budgets
• ·      Demonstrated success managing accounts and performing analyses
• ·      Proficiency in Excel and Word. Experience with CRM and/or database tools a plus
• ·      Experience with the sales and management of a luxury brand a plus
• ·      Ability to assist with event set up, breakdown, and coordination
• ·      Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• ·      Clean driving record with the California DMV

ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE KEPT COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL.  PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO AMY@WINETALENT.NET TO BE CONSIDERED.

WineTalent Classifieds: Director of Winemaking in Fresno, CA

WineTalent is working with our client, O’Neill Vintners and Distillers, on a Director of Winemaking position at their Parlier, CA location.  O’Neill is a family owned and operated company producing wines and spirits for customers throughout North America.  The company is a premier bulk wine producer with a state-of-the-art production facility and a team of winemakers dedicated to quality production.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing company. 

Roles and Responsibilities:  

• Oversee all aspects of wine production.
• Hire, direct and manage winemaking staff.
• Direct winemaking and wine blending to satisfy bulk and bottling programs according to volume, specification and style. 
• Develop and maintain consistent wine styles for key customers using sales and production data.
• Interact with Grower Relations team on grape schedules and picking decisions.
• Ensure safe and efficient cellar operations.
• Interact with the Operations team on new equipment and infrastructure needs.
• Work with the sales team to ensure availability of wines for various programs and plan for long-term inventory.
• Ensure strong commitment to customer relationships an involvement in routine customer meetings.
• Winemaking department budgeting, planning, and forecasting.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology, Food Science, Fermentation Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or related.  
• At least 7 years of winemaking experience in a winemaking facility.
• Personnel management experience. 
• Proven palate with the ability to evaluate wines with confidence and clarity.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.  
• Ability to work within a dynamic organization with changing priorities and workflow.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.  
• Prior budgeting and P&L management experience.

WineTalent is an executive search firm focused on the wine industry.  If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  All communications will be kept strictly confidential.  

WineTalent Classifieds: Winery Controller in Oakville, CA

Help Wanted:  Controller in Oakville, CA.  

Now in its third full year of operation on the Oakville Cross Road, B Cellars Vineyards and Winery is seeking a Controller who will manage the accounting and financial functions of the business.

Description: The Controller for B Cellars will be responsible for oversight of the accounting function of the company while also maintaining the financial integrity of the business. This role will manage the workflow of the accounting department and ensure timely completion of tasks and reporting. Utilizing B Cellars’ Microsoft Navision platform, the Controller will implement the efficient use of the system for accounting, inventory, POS and costing.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and perform the accounting and financial functions of the business, conduct the monthly close process, prepare, analyze and communicate timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements consistent with both internal reporting formats and GAAP.
  
• Manage the bookkeeping function, which provides basic accounting (AP, AR, invoice entry and creation, payroll, sales reporting, etc).
  
• Understand and upkeep the financial budget model in order to produce regular forecast updates for P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow, including cash flow forecasting and department level budgeting.
  
• Support communications with and provide materials for interactions with Company’s lender(s). Manage and perform necessary activities for monthly and annual bank covenant compliance.
  
• Maintain accurate and timely files for all contracts, insurance and corporate records. Oversee and manage insurance programs and policies, and provide assistance with contract review and administrative oversight.
  
• Manages all aspects of cash and credit card sales out of Napa Valley tasting room; includes analysis of all sales and reporting.
  
• Personnel management of accounting assistant and potential future staff recruiting, hiring and mentoring as needed.
  
  Qualifications and Requirements
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline.
  
• At least 5 years of experience in business accounting.
  
• CPA highly desirable.
  
• Experience with Microsoft Navision and Vintegrate is highly desirable. Relevant experience with other
  sophisticated ERP software platforms also a plus.
  
• A natural ability to manage the accounting and finance team while also being curious and interested in
  learning is crucial to this position.
  
• Strong time management skills
  
• Detail-oriented work style with an interest in finding solutions and creating efficiencies.
  
  
  

WineTalent Classifieds: Market Manager - Closures and Corks

WineTalent Classifieds:  WineTalent is working with our client, Saxco International, on a Market

Manager position for the Closures and Corks product category. 

Job Description:  This role is a business leader working with wineries and breweries on their closure needs. The position interfaces with suppliers and understands product offerings to define the portfolio. This person needs an understanding of closures and production needs and will be communicating the technical aspects of the products to customers and colleagues.  The Market Manager will assist salespeople and customers with product selection. This position will be responsible for:  developing and defining brand management objectives, establishing a business plan and forecast management with sales, evaluating supply options with Supply Chain managers, and recommending supply needs to fulfill market demands. This will be done in conjunction with the company’s associated growth objectives including an annual category market budget.

Qualifications: 

·      BS/BA degree, preferably in Marketing.

·      Experience and knowledge of closure technology or related fields. 


·      Minimum of five to eight years of professional services in market management.

·      Extensive experience in all aspects of developing and maintaining product marketing strategies to meet category objectives. 


·      Strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements. 


·      Willingness to travel and work with a national team of sales professionals. 


·      Thorough understanding of branding principles and tactics through multiple media outlets. 

·      Proven ability to design, develop and implement both strategic programs and supporting 
tactics in product development. 


·      Superior written and verbal communication skills, coupled with highly developed 
interpersonal skills. Strong managerial skills preferred. 


·      Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set 
priorities within tight time lines and high client expectations. 


·      Ability to quickly grasp complex category technical and business concepts and express 
them in clear language. 


·      Flexible and open to changing priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously 
within compressed time frames. 


Resume Submittal:  Interested candidates are encourage to send their resume to amy@winetalent.net.  All inquiries will be kept completely confidential.

Report from Winejobs.com: April Hiring Down for Wineries

Winejobs.com just sent out their April update on job postings for April 2017.  Postings were down 3% from April 2016, but still up 5% year-to-date.  Winemaking postings increased the most, up 18% from the same time last year.  DTC, tasting room and hospitality positions were up 3% from a year ago, and up 1% year-to-date.  Sales and marketing postings decreased last month, down 30% from the year prior.  They are also down 8 percent year-to-date.

Here's the Index of Winejobs.com job postings for 2016 and through April 2017.