Winegrowers of Ara, Marlborough, NZ - Vineyard Operations Manager

An exceptional career opportunity to manage “New Zealand’s first Grand Cru site”*

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

Ara’s entire range of wines is grown on the Ara vineyard. This extraordinary 1,600 ha Ara site is an ancient alluvial terrace, quite distinct from the surrounding Marlborough appellation. With 425 ha. growing 1.8 million mature close-planted vines, principally Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, the Ara vineyard has already been described in Europe as ‘New Zealand’s first Grand Cru site’.*

The Ara team is a group of passionate professionals whose shared vision begins in the vineyard: to interpret old world traditions in a new world environment to produce exceptional wines of place.

Based in Marlborough and reporting to the General Manager Viticulture and Winemaking, you will be responsible for managing all Ara’s vineyard operations.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Development and implementation of the annual vineyard operating plan.
• Through strong leadership and example, effectively manage and inspire a team of approx. 20 permanent and up to 100 casual staff.
• Effectively manage and implement a > $3.5 million vineyard operations budget.
• Maintain, adapt and develop season-specific fruit quality and weather contingency strategies to meet grape quality and production goals.
• Through these and other strategies, maximise the quality and Brand potential of the site.
• Effectively liaise with Technical, Winemaking, Sales and Marketing and operating managers to ensure a cohesive team approach to achieving the company’s goals.
• Oversee, maintain and implement all relevant operational and HR, OH&S, procedural and legal compliance requirements, (both internal and external).

Qualifications and Experience:

The successful candidate will require:
• A Bachelors’ Degree in Viticulture and/or Oenology or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution.
• At least 5 years experience in a senior viticultural management position.
• Specific experience in large scale, cool-climate vineyards producing high quality grapes.
• Proven people management, leadership and communication skills
• Wide-ranging technically proficiency; a methodical approach with problem solving skills across all vineyard operations
• A budget conscious and results driven approach.

As a person, you will have:

• A passion to innovate, improve and succeed.
• Excellent leadership, motivation and people management skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with management and staff.
• The ability to relate to old and new-world wine styles and winegrowing philosophies.
• The ability to represent the company to the trade and media.

This is a senior role which has the potential for further career growth. A very attractive salary package, plus appropriate relocation costs, will be offered to the right individual.

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