SUMMARY: The Director of Vineyard Operations will offer leadership, management, and input across the entire breadth of Silver Oak, Twomey, OVID, and Timeless’ viticulture, including in-house farming, outside management companies/contractors, grower relations, and technical viticulture, with eyes towards efficient use of resources, continuous improvement, and wine quality. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Vineyard Management & Viticulture

· Maintains and builds upon history of excellence and continuous improvement in company Viticulture & Winemaking.

· Recommends new methods, equipment, and procedures to improve efficiency, safety, and quality.

· Collaborates with staff in budgeting process for farming operations & capital expenditures.

· Makes ongoing recommendations during growing and dormant seasons to improve quality and ensure crop health.

· Reviews data collection methods and results to inform decision-making throughout growing season.

· Creates plans for development and re-development of existing acreage or vineyard as needed.

· Communicates effectively with Winemaking staff throughout growing season as to ongoing operations, crop size & potential wine quality.

Grower Relations

· Coordinates with staff to ensure grape supply meets production needs & targets.

· Collaborates with staff in budgeting process for grape purchases.

· Collaborating with staff, communicates with grower partners throughout growing season and ensures grower vineyards meet internal quality goals.

Leadership

· Ensures safe work environments in all company and grower vineyards. Documents and reports all work-related injuries and illnesses to Safety Coordinator and manager immediately.

· Provides vision and tactical execution for meeting business objectives in Viticulture, Human Resources, and Safety.

· Leads, Manages, and Provides Accountability for supervisory employees in the Vineyard function. Builds a high-performing team that is motivated, engaged, goal-oriented, and provides exceptional service to internal and external customers.

· Directly Manages Grape Supply Manager, Vineyard Manager-Napa County, Vineyard Manager-Sonoma County.

· Oversight of P&L for Vineyard entity.

· As a leader in the Production department, champions cultural values of collaboration, quality, curiosity, and resiliency.

· Develops subordinates, delegates responsibilities as needed, acts as mentor and teacher to direct reports.

· Manages team’s performance on an on-going basis, providing feedback and coaching in a timely manner. Documents performance via company’s performance management program.

· Demonstrates leadership through sound business decisions, high ethical standards, accountability, values, & behavior. Builds trust within the Viticulture team and Production department at large.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree in an Agricultural field or equivalent, eight to ten years related experience in Vineyard Management or Viticulture, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Proven leader that establishes a positive working environment and develops their team.

· PCA certification desired.

· Spanish language skills a plus.

· Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.

· Working knowledge of Agricultural and Winemaking information databases & web-based invoice approval.

· Proven ability to read and manage budgets, variances, and P&Ls. 

· Must be able to work independently and have proven ability to lead a team.

· Must be able to problem-solve and achieve good solutions to daily challenges.

· Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Commitment to excellence and acute attention to detail. 

· Valid CA driver’s license with clean driving record.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

· Perform some repetitive motion activities.

· Prioritize use of time and resources with many competing needs.

· Lift 40 lbs.

· Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.

· Reliably detect wine aroma, taste characteristics, and defects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· Often driving to remote vineyard locations.

· Frequent exposure to dust, pollen, & heat in vineyards.

· Walking and hiking over uneven surfaces.

· Occasional exposure to vineyard inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, & herbicides.

The above reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.