Winemaking Operations Manager (Wine Jobs: Management & Administration)

Job Description:

NexTerra Wine Company is a premier wine producer built on the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard. Headquartered just outside of Chicago, the 125,000-square-foot facility houses an onsite winery, state of the art bottling system and distribution center. Partnering with distinguished growers across the globe, NexTerra sources the highest quality grapes and nurtures each wine to its individual needs—a philosophy that has resulted in over 600 national and international wine awards. With deep industry knowledge, boundless creativity, and advanced winemaking techniques, NexTerra has grown to one of the largest U.S. producers outside of California projecting over 1.1 million cases produced in 2023, and a growing keg program of over 170,000 gallons worth of kegs.

The operations manager acts as the “control tower” for the Cellar. This position is responsible for planning inbound tankers and managing bulk capacity. This position is managing the compliance of all bulk wine transactions, ensuring everything is accounted for and following TTB standards and rules as well as various projects for the cellar. Cross-functional position that works with and manages inventory, logistics, purchasing and general operations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
•  Strategic planning of all inbound tankers, concentrates, sugars, and other Winemaking materials.
•  Strategic planning of bulk wine and tank space.
•  Manages bulk wine transaction process, ensuring all receiving and internal processes are followed and all documentation is accounted for correctly and following TTB
standards and rules.
•  Generate non-blending Winemaking orders for the Cellar Team.
•  Verifying work order completion and posting completed orders.
•  Generate and verify monthly Federal Operations Report (702) for Winemaker signoff.
•  Manage winemaking materials inventories in conjunction with Winemaker.
•  Manages the cellar office including ordering office materials, supplies, lab supplies, etc.
•  Projects as assigned

Requirements:
•  Bachelor’s degree
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•  Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
•  Proven analytical experience
•  Strong verbal and written communication skills
•  High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
•  Able to work with confidential information on a regular basis.
•  Able to interact effectively within Winemaking department and associated departments as well as with outside vendors/agencies.
•  Ability to follow through on projects with minimal supervision.
•  Wine Industry experience preferred but not required.

Physical Job Functions:
•  Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
•  Must be able to lift 30 pounds at times.
•  Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
•  Must be able to work in fluctuating temperatures

NexTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer