Head of Wine Operations
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Hambledon Vineyard
Hambledon. Hampshire,
England
Job Title: Head of Wine Operations
Role Summary
The Head of Wine Operations is a senior role in our wine leadership team, responsible for overseeing wine production, contract winemaking services, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and operational budgeting. Working closely with the Head Winemaker, finance, and commercial teams, the role will ensure efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective delivery across all technical and logistical aspects of Hambledon’s wine production
Key Responsibilities
Wine Production Management
- Oversee wine production from tirage to finished floor stock aligning production schedules with winemaking objectives and sales forecasts. You will work closely with our Head Winemaker, who will take lead responsibility for dosage trials and cellar releases
- Maintain high standards in quality control, health and safety, and team performance throughout production activities
- Collaborate with the winemaking team to maintain quality and consistency across all wines
- Be part of the leadership group for the development and execution of new wine styles, production trials, and innovations to ensure Hambledon continues to be a pioneer in the ESW category
Financial Responsibility
- Co-author (with the Head Winemaker) and manage the operational budget wine production, including forecasting, cost control, and reporting as part of the leadership team
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, capital investment planning, grant funding and operational improvements
- Working with the finance team, ensure all HMRC duty requirements are met by the business and be the point of contact for Hambledon’s HMRC representative
Contract Winemaking
- Serve as the primary contact for all contract clients, delivering Hambledon’s budget and business development plan, ensuring high service standards (introducing a Hambledon SLA), technical integrity, and confidentiality
- Ensure all clients have a new contract in place and manage any renewals as and when required
- Deliver efficient planning, reporting, and logistics tailored to each contract customer’s needs.
Procurement and Inventory
- Take full ownership of procurement for dry goods, packaging, and cellar supplies
- Work with suppliers to negotiate terms and ensure timely, cost-effective purchasing
- Oversee inventory control finished goods, and packaging materials.
Quality Control and Compliance
- Work with the Head Winemaker for lab analysis with Campden BRI or our own laboratory for all new wine, to ensure all wines meet internal and PDO standards
- Maintain rigorous quality assurance, leading the Hambledon Quality Control process post tirage, updating it in line with production changes
- Ensure detailed, compliant records are maintained to support traceability, audits and operational safety (connecting to our internal Health & Safety system)
- Working with the Head Winemaker ensure wine production hygiene, drinks safety standards, and compliance with relevant certifications, especially HACCP
Team Leadership & Development
- Train, supervise, and mentor the post-production and cellar teams, implementing an apprentice scheme across all wine production, in connection with Plumpton or other specialist colleges
- Foster a positive, efficient, and safety-conscious team culture.
Qualifications and Experience
Required:
- 5+ years of production and operations experience in a commercial winery, preferably with English sparkling wine.
- Proven experience managing contract winemaking relationships and client expectations.
- Strong knowledge of winemaking workflows, procurement, and inventory systems.
- Demonstrated financial accountability and operational budget management.
- Familiarity with wine compliance (HMRC, HACCP, PDO) and traceability systems
- Experience with winery software and production management systems
- WSET Level 2+
Preferred:
- Degree in Oenology, supply chain, or a related field
- Forklift licence (or willingness to obtain)
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary, based on experience
Staff wine allowance
Support for professional development
Be part of one of the exciting new JVs in English wine between Symington Family Estates and Berry Bros & Rudd
