Head of Wine Operations

Hambledon Wine Estate; Winchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the English sparkling wine industry is seeking a Head of Wine Operations. The role involves managing wine production, client relationships, and financial operations while upholding quality and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in commercial wineries and a strong understanding of winemaking processes and compliance. Opportunities for professional development and a competitive salary based on experience are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Staff wine allowance

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in commercial winery operations.
• Familiarity with HMRC, HACCP, and PDO compliance.
• Demonstrated financial accountability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee wine production from start to finish.
• Manage operational budgets and financial forecasting.
• Lead procurement for supplies and inventory management.

Skills

Production and operations management

Client relationship management

Inventory management

Quality control

Education

WSET Level 2+

Degree in Oenology or related field

Tools

Winery software

Production management systems

Job description

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
• Part of one of the UK’s most exciting new joint ventures between Symington Family Estates and Berry Bros & Rudd

To Apply:

Please send your CV and cover letter to James Osborn at [e-mail]. Closing date for applications: 25^th June 2025