Senior Director of Operations – Cellar Maintenance and Engineering

Job Description

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Cellar Operations is responsible for the overall management and administration of Woodbridge Winery, encompassing the Cellar, Maintenance, Engineering.  This includes Wine Tracking, Administration, Safety, and Environmental Compliance. This role focuses on driving a strong safety culture, fostering positive team dynamics, and creating a culture of continuous improvement to enhance wine quality and improve operational efficiencies.

Responsibilities

Overall Management and Administration:

• Oversee the comprehensive management of Woodbridge Winery Cellar, Facilities Maintenance and Engineering.
• Ensure all departments (Cellar, Maintenance, Engineering, Wine Tracking, Admin, Safety, and Environmental Compliance) operate efficiently and effectively.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve company objectives.

Safety and Compliance:

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture across all departments.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Oversee environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Strive to live the CBI Leadership Standard and create an inclusive culture of high performing teams.
• Foster positive team dynamics and a collaborative work environment.
• Lead, mentor, and develop department managers and their teams.
• Encourage professional growth and continuous learning.

Operational Efficiency and Continuous Improvement:

• Create and maintain a culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Implement strategies to enhance wine quality and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive improvements.

Cost Management:

• Manage budgets and expenses for all areas of responsibility.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Ensure cost accountability within each site and across the department.

Wine Quality Enhancement:

• Ensure all processes and practices contribute to the highest wine quality standards.
• Collaborate with winemaking and quality assurance teams to implement best practices.
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovations to enhance wine production.

Maintenance and Engineering:

• Oversee the maintenance and engineering functions to ensure equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Implement preventive maintenance programs and manage capital projects.
• Ensure the engineering team supports operational needs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assists in the creation of the 3-year capital expense plan.

Wine Tracking and Administration:

• Ensure accurate and efficient wine tracking and inventory management.
• Oversee administrative functions to support operational needs.
• Implement and maintain effective record-keeping and reporting systems.

Special Projects Management:

• Lead and manage additional special projects as assigned.
• Ensure special projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the wine industry or a related field.
• Strong understanding of cellar operations, maintenance, engineering, and wine production processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and control costs.
• Commitment to safety and environmental compliance.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Experience in driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Solid understanding of Capex fundamentals.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit
• Use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms
• Climb or balance stairs/ladders
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear
• Must have close vision, distant vision, and ability to adjust focus, peripheral vision
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a car and travel via plane/train as needed
• Works outdoors/indoors
• Works in warm/cold climates
• Works in high places
• Works on wet surfaces
• Is exposed to loud noise, fumes, and/or toxic chemicals
• Must be able to use personal protective equipment as required
• Works near moving, mechanical parts and lift truck traffic
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