Vineyard Establishment Consultant (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Vine Works Ltd (http://www.vine-works.com)

  Plumpton Green, East Sussex and Southern England, England

At Vine-Works, we believe that quality wine starts on the vine.  We are cool climate specialists supporting vineyards across the UK with all their viticultural needs to ensure they produce amazing wines in a sustainable and profitable way.  

 

Since its inception, Vine-Works has established hundreds of vineyards across the UK, and currently services over 90 sites.

We are a rapidly expanding company navigating an ever-changing landscape shaped by post-pandemic and post-Brexit challenges. 

The corporate values that weave through all aspects of our business are: quality, expert, dependable, forward-thinking, innovative, sustainable and customer-focused. 

 

We are now looking for an Vineyard Establishment Consultant to join the team. This role is to assist the Head of Vineyard Establishment with the daily running and development of the department providing organisation and leadership to the trellis teams and other establishment employees.

Main duties and responsibilities

 

1.0         General duties 

1.1         Work closely with the Head of Vineyard Establishment on managing and developing the department to achieve agreed performance targets.

1.2         Ownership of the trellising schedule and its implementation, resolving and answering any queries, problems or concerns.

1.3         Assist with the implementation of environmental, sustainable practices into the establishment department product offering. Train and develop the skills/knowledge of the team in relation to this.

1.4         Effectively supervise trellis team members in duties and performance, setting targets and providing feedback where necessary to the Head of Establishment.

1.5         Train new team members in company standards, job duties, health and safety compliance.

1.6         Liaise with the staff operations officer with regard to any team sickness, time off, holidays, accidents or incidents that may occur.

1.7         Contribute to the evolution and continuous improvement of the vineyard establishment package.

1.8         Generation of viticultural suitability reports (collection of soil samples and compiling of soil and climatic analysis), dealing with the resulting queries and developing site specific action plans in readiness for a successful planting.

1.9         Accurate and timely preparation of estimations and layouts (designs)for new jobs.           

2.0         Help the Head of Establishment to prepare regular, detailed progress reports for senior management meetings.

2.1         Assist with the organisation of the planting schedule and its execution during the planting season.

2.2         Ensure the quality control of installations are completed to Vine Works’ high standard and within the budgetary constraints and timeframes agreed. 

2.3         Assist the establishment manager with the exploration and feasibility of new products, techniques and machinery.

2.4         Assist with any internal/external research trials and development projects that the department is involved in.

2.5         Work with the viticultural services department to develop and liaise regarding future plantings/expansion projects to maximise profitability and business opportunities.

2.6         Work closely with the retail department to ensure accurate, timely delivery of customer orders that corresponds with the planting and trellising schedules.

2.7         Work closely with the retail department to develop existing and future sales of establishment materials.

2.8         Work closely with the viticultural services department to help manage existing clients through scouting or vineyard management.

2.9         Provide to the Head of Establishment accurate information for budgeting and invoicing purposes. 

3.0         Prepared to work additional hours during peak seasons such as planting, for which time in lieu will be granted. 

3.1         To attend, with due notice, occasional out-of-hours events/tradeshows (e.g., evenings and weekends) as may be appropriate to the role.

 

3.2         To undertake other duties and tasks that may reasonably be required 

 

Person Specification

Experience/ Knowledge

·        Educated to degree level in viticulture/horticulture

·        2 years + experience in viticulture/horticulture

·        Proven experience in management of small teams and individuals

·        Experience in writing and developing content/material for reports and maps.

·        Experience with farm/vineyard machinery

·        Demonstrable experience in communicating effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues. 

 

Skills

·        Strong leadership skills, especially around developing and managing teams/individuals

·        Strong numeracy skills, especially around setting and monitoring targets.

·        Strong mechanical/engineering aptitude

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to work with people both within and outside the organisation. 

·        Excellent attention to detail.

·        Proven organisational and administrative skills with an ability to prioritise, work to tight timescales and deliver work on time and within budget.

·        Ability to work under pressure, independently and be self-motivated.

·        Ability to work flexibly within a team and adjust to changing priorities. 

·        Excellent ICT skills including Microsoft Office, email, internet and databases.

 

 

An attractive salary and benefits package to reflect this exciting role is offered.

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