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: Central Valley Winery Production Equipment Sales

WineTalent is working with our client ColloPack Solutions on a Sales Representative search. ColloPack is a leading distributor of equipment to the US wine and beverage industry. The Equipment Salesperson will be responsible for providing equipment solutions to wineries, focusing on wineries located in California’s Central Valley. This sales position is involved in the entire sales cycle, including initial customer contact, identifying product solutions for each customer and managing equipment purchasing and any logistical needs of each customer. 

Responsibilities:
•  Building and maintaining long-term business relationships with customers In the California Central Valley.
•  Identifying the production equipment needs of individual customers and developing proposals that meet the needs of the production environment.  
•  Demonstrating equipment capabilities and discussing alternative solutions that benefit the customer and highlight CollloPack’s product lines.  
•  Understand the complex nature of large winemaking operations and develop extensive relationships within each company
•  Act as main point of contact for Central Valley winery clients while also including technical experts on sales opportunities and relationship management activities.
•  Professionally representing ColloPack throughout the US at industry events, tradeshows, and in-person meetings.  
•  Understanding priorities and goal setting with efficient time management. 
•  Identifying opportunities for additional sales opportunities with existing customers of all ColloPack equipment offerings.
•  Preparation and presentation of customized plans, budgets and schedules for each customer.
•  Prioritizing duties effectively and managing sales cycle to maximize efficiency.
•  Following up with customers on a timely basis.

Qualifications:  
•  Bachelor’s degree in Enology and Viticulture, Food Science or Chemistry highly desirable. A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related disciplines will be considered with a proven knowledge of wine production.  
•  Previous experience in the Central Valley with relationships in place at wineries in the territory.
•  Experience in winemaking and an understanding of winery production equipment and facilities.
•  Filtration experience.
•  Good presentation and listening skills.
•  Technical sales experience highly desirable.
•  Strong organization skills required.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively facilitate internal and external business relationships.
•  Hard-working, trustworthy and positive demeanor.

Interested in applying?  email your resume to me at amy@winetalent.net.