Wine Production Assistant

Bolney Wine Estate are looking for a Production Assistant Manager to oversee and manage a team on all day to day tasks throughout the secondary production process, this role will report directly to the Productions and Operations Manager, it is a permanent, full-time position.

About Bolney Wine Estate:

Bolney Wine Estate is a renowned winery located in Sussex, England. Founded in 1972, it has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality English wines. Situated in a picturesque countryside setting, Bolney Wine Estate benefits from a unique microclimate that contributes to the cultivation of exceptional grape varieties.

The estate is dedicated to the art of winemaking, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. Their skilled team of winemakers carefully tends to the vineyards, selects the finest grapes, and employs meticulous methods to produce a diverse range of wines. Bolney Wine Estate also features a charming café and restaurant, offering visitors a delightful culinary experience.

We are dedicated to creating an open and inclusive working environment, and this starts with our recruitment practices. We try to ensure that everybody who is interested in joining our team has equal opportunity and ability to start that journey with us. We intend to have flexible and accessible hiring practices and will make every attempt to adapt to your needs throughout. We welcome any requests for adjustments in our processes.

Key responsibilities

• Tracking of stock levels in multiple warehouses, correlating back to sales and aligning with allocations in order to determine demand and schedule work orders.
• Scheduling and running of the secondary production lines, covering riddling, labelling and disgorging lines. 
• Prioritising quality control of the wines from start to finish, keeping records, following up and addressing any complaints/reports received.
• Setting up and scheduling trials for dosage on new vintages and releases alongside the Production and Operations Manager
• Overseeing and executing instructions on the making up and quality control of the dosage.
• Assisting in the setting up and troubleshooting of machinery as well as scheduling the packing and loading gyro pallets.
• Strong understanding (with additional training) of how to maintain and repair all equipment used in the above process.
• Ensure that all routine maintenance records are completed and signed off.
• Setting up routine servicing schedule of machinery and further training. 
• Execution of regular stock takes, addressing of errors and low stock, along with supervising the acceptance and checking deliveries of stock
• Reporting to the Production and Operations Manager around the management of supplies and stock required for the secondary production process, and completing all necessary paperwork around the movements of stock/gains/losses
• Ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the production areas and all equipment used in the process. Managing the completion and sign-off of records.
• Complying with health and safety requirements in the production areas and in accordance with HACCP.
• Adherence to all SALSA requirements in the production areas, working alongside the winery to execute processes in order to pass annual audit. 
• Commitment to maintaining and initiative to continually improve quality in all aspects of the process.
• Accountable for training and overseeing permanent and temporary staff working within production
• Scheduling of permanent and temporary staff according to workflow and demand
• Working alongside Production and Operations Manager to put together site improvement suggestions and upgrading of systems. 

Requirements

• Strong winemaking knowledge and interest
• Background in production and planning including an understanding of sales and demand
• Must be physically fit to perform all tasks - Must be able to lift 25kgs
• Must be able to stand for long periods, climb ladders, and work in all conditions.
• Confident on a forklift - Forklift licence preferred or full training will be provided
• IT skills including Microsoft Office, to understand and analyse data and reports generated by departments across the business e.g. warehouse, sales
• Strong understanding of the workings of the machinery

We welcome applications from candidates who do not 100% meet the role requirements. 

Interview Process: 

Stage 1

Telephone or video introduction with Recruiter to discuss application, interest in role, and suitability for the role. 

Stage 2

Interview with hiring manager and HR via Teams. 

Stage 3

Interview with hiring manager and senior manager onsite.

Benefits

INDHP