WineTalent Classifieds: Production Manager near Fresno, CA

WineTalent is working with our client, O'Neill Vintners & Distillers on a Production Manager to
manage and oversee the operations activities at the Parlier, CA production facility.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Facilitate, train, and coach team members in the use of Lean methodology

·       Develop and drive strategy for Continuous Improvement principles to become an integral part of operational culture

·       Develop production processing metrics (KPIs) that enable team discussion around continuous improvement

·       Develop daily/weekly critical processing metrics for both non-harvest and harvest related activities to ensure operations teams are meeting company goals

·       Mentor and coach front line leadership in skills of communication, supervising teams, engaging workforce on problem solving and workflow prioritization

·       Plan, organize, and direct production to meet or exceed established goals in a cost-effective manner

·       Foster and facilitate change management to ensure front line work force is engaged and enlisted throughout process or cultural change

·       Design, develop, and implement processes that increase yield and/or improve quality for all manufacturing

·       Coordinate with cross-functional managers and supervisors to establish production targets and quality control standards

·       Develop, implement, and maintain processes, procedures, and programs to improve the safety, productivity, and profitability of the operation

·       Ensure that employees and frontline leadership have the required safety training and are consistently working in a safe manner; develop and implement safety programs to ensure a safe work environment is maintained

·       Coordinate with cross-functional managers to address organizational needs related to staffing, equipment and employee and food safety needs

·       Provide leadership, communication, and coaching to employees; cultivate a motivated employee environment of trust, teamwork, accountability, self-confidence, and business ownership

·       Ensure that operational supplies are on hand and available at all times

·       Develop, implement, and monitor department budget; manage expenses within approved budget constraints

·       Identify, document, and implement opportunities for continuous improvement

·       Perform other duties as assigned by manager

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Bachelor’s degree (B.A. /B.S.) in related field or equivalent preferred

·       LEAN manufacturing/Six Sigma experience 

·       Two to four years related experience or equivalent

·       Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinates

·       Commitment to excellence and high standards

·       Excellent written and oral communication skills

·       Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds

·       Basic competence in subordinates’ duties and tasks

·       Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills

·       Ability to manage priorities and workflow

·       Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm

·       Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees

·       Proficient on Word, Excel and PowerPoint

·       Proven leadership and business acumen skills

·       Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines

·       Strong interpersonal skills

·       Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.

·       Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions

·       Bilingual skills a plus

·       Ability to understand any and all safety requirements and cautions

·       Ability to perform the physical labor necessary

·       Ability to speak, read, write, and understand primary language(s) used in the workplace

·       Must pass pre-employment background check and drug screen

All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.  Please visit www.winetalent.net for more information and for our contact information. 

WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job

WineTalent Classifieds: Business Development Manager

WineTalent is working with our client, Laffort USA on a Business Development Manager to represent the Nobile products in North America.

Title:  Business Development Manager

Position Description:  The Business Development Manager will be responsible for representing the Nobile brand of oak adjuncts and other products in North America to new and existing winery clients.  The Business Development Manager will work with an eye towards developing the brand and building business with new clients.  The Business Development Manager will be building relationships with winery professionals throughout the market to showcase the company's offerings.  Working with customers to craft programs specific to their production needs, this role requires a keen understanding of winemaking and production needs.  The ideal candidate will be proactive in tasting specific wines and developing ideas of Nobile products that would match these styles. This role is a key contributor for the company and a Nobile brand builder in the market.

Role and Responsibilities:  

·      Identify potential customers and develop sales strategies for customers throughout North America.   This will entail building business on the West Coast, expanding after business is established.

·      Thorough understanding of the product offerings and production requirements to build customized oak adjunct programs for customers.

·      Keen understanding of the adjunct market and an understanding of pricing strategies for customers of various production volumes.

·      Ability to work with winemakers, cellar masters and production managers to provide Nobile product at sufficient levels, in a timely manner, with the proper enological characteristics while also providing technical support and training as needed.

·      Contract negotiation with production staff, purchasing managers and finance professionals to create profitable sales for Nobile while also meeting the competitive pricing of the industry.  

·      Business development with a focus on the premium wine category with medium to large production wineries.

·      Brand building strategy to increase market penetration of Nobile.

·      Continuous follow-up with production staff to monitor programs and make recommendations or troubleshoot as needed.  

·      Thoughtful suggestions to customers on additional products that may benefit their winemaking program and create additional sales opportunities of Nobile products.  

·      Internal financial goal setting and tracking of sales performance against goals.

·      Support of Laffort’s other product offerings and promoting additional products when needs arise.

·      Routine input of sales calls, customer data and orders into the Laffort CRM system for reporting.

·      Additional administrative duties as required.

Qualifications:  

·      Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology, Fermentation Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, Food Science or related.  Relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.

·      At least five years of work experience, ideally in the wine industry.  

·      Wine production background required.

·      A proven sales acumen.

·      Strong relationship development and maintenance skills.

·      Attention to detail and ability to multi-task.  This is a self-managed role that requires a highly self-motivated individual for success.

·      Ability to travel to customers as needed.  Travel will also involve attendance at various industry trade shows and potentially may include international travel.

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

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.