Vineyard Estate Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Fenn Valley Vineyards

  Fennville, Michigan

Position Overview

Fenn Valley Vineyards is a family owned 50,000 case operation in a growth mode. We operate our own 240 acre farming operation as well as oversee and partner with wine grape growers through Southwest Michigan. The Vineyard Estate Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our farming operations. This includes strategic direction as well as day-to-day operations. A manager at Fenn Valley works alongside a team of leaders as a key player in an exciting industry.

Duties and Responsibilities (Anticipated allocation of time)

Leadership and Management of the Vineyard Team (60%)

• Manage all aspects of estate grape production, currently 82 acres.

• Direct all aspects of off-site grape production, currently two satellite vineyards totaling 15 acres.

• Hire, lead, and supervise the Vineyard Team, as well as all farm employees.

• Motivate Vineyard Team by clearly communicating goals, objectives and expectations.

• Act as safety coordinator and process engineer for all farm related activities.

• Facilitate research and development to improve fruit quality and reduce production cost.

• Create operational and capital budgets with Management Team. Ensure operational and capital budget targets are executed effectively.

• Coordinate all Farm administrative functions, including the collection and management of pest management records, human resource documents, farm payroll, internal accounting, and regulatory compliance.

• Coordinate all Farm equipment maintenance, repair, and acquisition.

• Organize and facilitate regular Vineyard Team meetings to review progress, establish goals, and foster good will. Facilitate effective communication between Vineyard Team and Winemaking

Team.

Vineyard/Winemaking Coordination and Grower Relations (25%)

• Actively participate in the Production Leadership Team working directly with senior leaders of the company to develop and execute high level plans.

• Act as the liaison between the Winery and Contracted Growers, and cultivate grower relationships by visiting all vineyards on a regular basis.

• Advise the Production Management Team on the short-term and long-term fruit supply. Negotiate discussion with potential and established Contracted Growers regarding price, cropping levels, quality parameters, and contract terms.

• Direct harvest logistics in collaboration with Production Leadership Team to increase wine quality and process efficiency.

• Help ensure that cost and quality are appropriate for each wine.

• Organize and facilitate Contracted Grower meetings to review the prior season, establish goals for the coming year, and foster good will. Facilitate effective communication between Contracted

Growers and Winemaking Team.

• Actively participate in regional and/or state-wide viticulture industry organizations.

Estate Management and Event Collaboration (15%)

• Responsible for the care and improvement of all Farm infrastructure.

• Responsible for the care and management of the entirety of the Fenn Valley estate, on which

exists the largest legal tasting room in the United States.

• Coordinate with and assist the Retail and Events Team as needed.

• Coordinate the preparation and clean-up of all outdoor spaces for select public events, and participate in public events as needed.

• Mentor tour guides for the vineyard tour program, and personally conduct a select number of indepth vineyard tours.

Vineyard Estate Manager Requirements

• Certificate of completion in a viticulture and/or related program or related experience is required. Bachelor’s degree in viticulture, horticulture, or related program preferred.

• Functionally bilingual English/Spanish capability is preferred. Ability to learn functional bilingual

English/Spanish within 12 months from date of hire is required.

• Minimum three years’ experience in vineyard management and/or grower relations.

• Flexible and creative with uncompromising personal ethics.

• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated results leading staff, servicing vineyard contracts, and participating on leadership teams.

• Exceptional verbal and written skills. Comfortable in front of large and small audiences with demonstrated ‘situational excellence’ in communication.

• Capable of working independently, using good judgment, and solving problems creatively. Know when to discuss situations with Management Team, bringing proposed solutions.

• Compassion, patience and a highly developed sense of humor are necessary for success.

• Strong analytical skillset, with mechanical aptitude, and problem solving skills.

• Strong systems background and process engineering abilities.

• Proficient in technology, including the Microsoft Office Suite, relevant web services and mobile technology.

• Ability to walk in steep, inclining vineyard, in diverse types of weather.

• Currently possess or have the ability to immediately obtain a Michigan Private Pesticide Applicators License.

• Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

• Have a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and the ability to drive to locations around the state.

• Able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and travel (including overnight stays.)

Our compensation is competitive and based on skills and experience. As a full-time employee you will receive the standard Fenn Valley benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, IRA program, etc.

How To Apply

https://www.fennvalley.com/online-job-application/

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