We have a unique opportunity to join Bolney Wine Estate as our Head of Winery & Operations. At Bolney Wine Estate, we are proud to produce award-winning English wines, combining tradition, innovation, and a commitment to quality. This role sits at the heart of our operation - bringing together people, process, and product to deliver outstanding results aligned with our long-term strategy and growth ambitions.
As Head of Winery & Operations, you’ll lead a multi-disciplinary team and oversee every stage of the journey from grape to bottle. You’ll play a critical role in ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining the highest standards of quality and health & safety, and delivering products that meet both commercial goals and consumer expectations.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, detail-oriented leader with strong planning capability, a passion for winemaking, and the ability to balance technical excellence with commercial thinking.
What you’ll be doing:
* Oversee the full winemaking lifecycle including vineyard management, grape sourcing, harvesting, production, blending, bottling, warehousing, and supply chain
* Lead and develop high-performing teams across winery, production, vineyard, warehouse, and technical functions
* Plan and manage production schedules to deliver finished products on time and within budget
* Ensure full compliance with health & safety regulations, leading best practices across all operational areas
* Maintain exceptional quality standards at every stage, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and accreditation requirements
* Drive continuous improvement across operations, identifying efficiencies, cost savings, and process enhancements
* Manage supply chain activities including procurement of fruit, dry goods, and production materials
* Ensure accurate record-keeping, inventory management, and regulatory reporting (including HMRC requirements)
* Oversee product traceability across the entire supply chain
* Lead operational audits and ensure site compliance across all areas
* Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, hospitality, and other teams to align production with demand and customer insights
* Support strategic planning including mid-term production, CAPEX investment, and product development
* Deliver regular performance updates and insights to senior leadership
What we’re looking for:
* Significant winery and operational experience, including strong technical knowledge of winemaking processes
* Proven leadership experience, with a positive and engaging management style that motivates multi-disciplinary teams
* Strong understanding of vineyard operations, production, and supply chain management
* A detail-oriented and highly organised approach, with excellent planning and scheduling capability
* A strong commitment to health & safety, with experience leading compliance in operational environments
* Commercial awareness, with the ability to balance quality, cost, and efficiency
* A proactive problem solver, comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
* Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
* Experience managing audits, quality systems, and regulatory compliance
* Hands-on approach with the ability to operate in a physically demanding environment when required
* A passion for wine and creating exceptional products
What we offer:
* 25 days annual leave + birthday day off + public holidays
* Enhanced company pension contributions
* Discretionary annual bonus
* Private health cover
* Life assurance (4x salary)
* Income protection insurance
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Enhanced parental leave
* Generous staff discount