Ara Wines, Auckland, NZ - General Manager Sales and Marketing

Would you like to lead the international brand development of “New Zealand’s first Grand Cru site”?*

Ara is a substantial, well resourced and privately owned single-estate wine company. The Ara team is developing a world class business, successfully establishing internationally the Ara brands which are already earning accolades as sophisticated, next-generation Marlborough wines. The group’s compelling vision and resources are focused on the medium and long term.

Ara’s subsidiary distribution branches are already established in the UK and Australia, with current investment focused on expansion into North America, Asia and Europe. International distributor agreements are either established or being finalized in all other key wine markets.

Ara’s entire range of wines is grown on the Ara vineyard. This extraordinary 1,600 ha. site is an ancient alluvial terrace, quite distinct from the surrounding Marlborough appellation. Every vintage is an interpretation of old world traditions in a new world environment, resulting in exceptional wines of place. With current mature plantings, of 425 ha., principally Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, Ara has already been described in Europe as ‘New Zealand’s first Grand Cru site’*

Reporting to the CEO, this new, Auckland-based role is an exceptional opportunity to lead the international development of a unique super-premium global brand.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Through effective internal and external leadership, to achieve the domestic and international establishment and positioning of the unique Ara brand concept.
• Refine, develop and implement appropriate sales, distribution and marketing strategies to achieve super-premium, international brand positioning and sales growth.
• Develop, manage and implement short and medium term sales and marketing budgets to meet company growth and profit objectives.
• Work closely with the CEO to develop and implement strategies across the entire business which will underpin the long term company growth and profitability.
• Develop and manage a range of effective domestic and offshore distributor relationships across a range of cultural/national environments.
• Manage and develop a range of key media and other trade relationships.
• Through effective leadership and communication, reinforce and grow Ara’s strong domestic and offshore performance-based team ethic.
• Liaise and communicate with Ara’s vineyard and winery teams to reinforce its unique site-based brand ethos and attributes.

Qualifications and Experience:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
• A first rate track record in senior sales and marketing management in the international branded wine business.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; the proven ability to inspire and motivate colleagues and foster staff development.
• Proven super-premium brand building and brand management skills; the ability to create, communicate and consistently implement the disciplines and strategies required for success in this market segment.
• The ability strategically to analyse individual markets and sales and distribution environments, and to develop tailored sales and distribution strategies which meet Ara’s overall brand objectives and disciplines.
• A strong brand-focused sales and results-driven work ethic. A proven track record demonstrating both sales and bottom-line results.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills appropriate to the full range of distributor, media, supplier and personnel relationships.
• The ability to provide wine-knowledgeable feedback to the winemaking/grapegrowing team on the styles appropriate to key markets and opinion leaders.

To succeed in this role, you will need to be both well qualified and highly motivated. You will be leading a team in which key individuals already “own the brand and live and breathe the business”. You will value already having a unique and authentic brand foundation, underpinned by the necessary resources. Your opportunity and challenge is to further develop and realise the potential of this super-premium international wine brand.

This is a rare career opportunity for an experienced international wine business professional. It has the potential for future career growth. A highly attractive salary package in the NZ$200-$300k range, plus appropriate relocation costs, will be offered to the right candidate.

To apply in strict confidence or to obtain further details email Chris Anstee, at: chris@wineandvine.com.au or phone +61 (0)2 9437 3462.

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*Decanter Magazine, 6 June, 2008