Executive to Chairman and Wine Sales Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Management & Administration)
Full Time
Tradelink Solutions Ltd
Rickmansworth,
England
Bob and Pat Middleton have over a number of years developed a business in the Energy sector TLS Energy which comprises a number of subsidiaries including 10 Hydroelectric schemes, a wind turbine, and a service business providing support to a number of Renewable Generators. Having recently sold an Energy retail business Loco2 Energy, they are in the process of diversifying the business within the Energy sector throughout Europe but also including property and have recently purchased a Vineyard estate in the south of France.
This different dynamic is resulting in a change in business style and staff requirements. There are a wide range of tasks to perform in French as well as in English dealing with numerous French parties especially related to the property and vineyard in France as well as potential Hydroelectric properties
The person will work with the senior management team across the businesses especially the Vineyard Estate Manager. Working to develop wine sales in the UK and wider Europe, developing social media in French and English, helping develop the new online shop. Some translations and creative writing in French and English. There will also be a need to participate in fairs to sell wine present wine to local customers and to arrange logistics for deliveries of wine between the UK and France and to UK customers.
The role will also encompass some Executive PA activities to support Bob and Pat as their Son takes greater operational control of the day to day business. This will involve some domestic arrangements and diary management. Dealing with French bureaucracy and French partners, law firms and accountants where fluent French is required. Managing aspects of three properties including bookings and maintenance of the property and the website for the Scottish property.
Hours of work will in theory be 9-5 on weekdays. But the nature of this job means emails and texts requiring a response are likely to arrive 24/7 and wine fairs and exhibitions may involve longer hours or weekend work. There will inevitably be travel to Scotland and the South of France as well as to international wine fairs.
The person must be Fluent in French (possibly mother tongue) and English languages. Additional languages are a bonus. They must have some years’ experience in the wine trade preferably in the buying and selling activities. It is almost certain the chosen candidate will be university educated to degree level. They must be able to write well in English and French whilst numeracy is also important. They must be able to drive and be able to travel and deal with correspondence at evenings and the weekend, (but not every day)
Social media experience will be an advantage and an interest in the wine industry is critical. Either WSET qualifications will be in place or a willingness to study for these qualifications.
Salary will depend experience and the ability and willingness to fulfil the full remit of the post.
