Head of Wine Operations

Hambledon Wine Estate; Durley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK beverage manufacturing sector is seeking a Head of Wine Operations. This senior position involves overseeing wine production, ensuring high-quality standards, managing budgets, and collaborating closely with the winemaking team. The successful candidate will lead contract winemaking efforts and maintain key client relationships, embodying the company’s innovative approach to English sparkling wine.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Part of a joint venture with industry leaders

Qualifications

• 5+ years production/operations experience in a commercial winery.
• Strong knowledge of winemaking workflows and compliance standards.
• Experience with winery software for operations management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage wine production from start to finish.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Train and mentor production teams.

Skills

Wine production management

Quality control

Procurement

Financial accountability

Contract management

Education

Degree in Oenology or related field

Job description

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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
• 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
• 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

Preferred:

• Degree in Oenology, supply chain, or a related field
• Forklift licence (or willingness to obtain)

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary, based on experience
• 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

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Beverage Manufacturing

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