Description

POSITION SUMMARY:  

Jackson Family Wines has an amazing full-time opportunity for an individual to join the Central Coast Grower Relations team and oversee the relationships between some of the region’s top grape growers. This position is responsible for fulfillment (locating & sourcing) of grape needs for various wine programs through establishment and maintenance of relationships with its growers.  Also responsible for providing the winery with the highest quality grapes possible within economic constraints, with minimal direction, which includes monitoring all aspects of grape production. Advises growers on production methods to ensure quality control.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:  

• Source & negotiate the purchase of grapes of the required type, quality, and price under guidelines
• Source new potential grape suppliers to meet business requirements
• Manage new planting contracts in designated regions, as required
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of current grape markets and strategies for navigating challenging market changes
• Develop and maintain the highest quality relationships with our growers in the industry
• Provide communication as an effective liaison between growers and wineries regarding viticulture concerns and expectations
• Deliver professional, knowledgeable, and reliable representation of the company
• Monitor all aspects of crop development and forecast crop tonnages throughout the season up to harvest
• Develop and maintain vineyard records on cultural practices, yields, and grape quality
• Develop new business opportunities from both supply and demand perspectives
• Collect and document all use reports, certifications, and contracts
• Develop strategies for spot market purchases and fruit sales
• Hire and train seasonal Harvest Assistant and Sugar Samplers
• Manage entry of all appropriate crop estimate and sugar sampling data into proprietary inventory system
• Schedule and coordinate all growers’ grape deliveries to wineries throughout the north coast, according to direction from respective winemakers
• Engage in meaningful participation on and with regional industry groups, committees, boards, or commissions in territory.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business, Viticulture, Enology, Plant/Crop Science, or related field
• Valid California driver’s license and clean DMV record; required to travel to various sites via automobile to satisfy daily job requirements.  Company vehicle provided.
• Required to work long hours during peak season.
• Physical Requirements – Must be able to lift to 50 lbs., work in outside weather, walk on uneven terrain.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with a self-starter attitude
• Working knowledge of desktop computing including basic Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.), internet and e-mail

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Skilled in reading, analyzing, and interpreting common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Experience in responding to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Self-guided initiative (self-starter) and effective manager of time/priorities, multitasking 

• Experience working on an individual basis, as well as being a team player. 

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:  

• Hire & supervise seasonal Harvest Assistants and Sugar Samplers during harvest season.

• Health insurance – medical, dental, vision, disability & life insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Vacation accrual; 12 paid holidays; 72 hours for Health & Wellness
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Wine discounts!