Bottling Line Lead
Department: Production
Reports to: Cellar Master
Location: Kunde Winery

Full Benefits

Position Overview:
Responsible for running the bottling line, supervising day-to-day bottling line activities and staff
in accordance with winemaking and operational policies to ensure safety, maximize
productivity and efficiency, and maintain the highest quality of wines are produced. Able to
interpret basic bottling processes / issues and promptly apply corrective action. Delegates
work assignments to bottling line staff as necessary. When not working on the bottling line,
this position will assist in the cellar as directed by the Cellar Master.

Main Responsibilities:
Team member with at least 3 harvests of experience, a complete understanding of all cellar
operations and equipment. Can lead or assist others based on need. Reports to the Cellar
Master.
•  Oversee and actively participate in bottling line operations, including sanitation, start-up, shutdown, and changeovers.
•  Supervise bottling staff, ensuring efficient workflow, adherence to safety regulations, and compliance with operational procedures.
•  Maintain and track inventory levels of bottling materials, finished goods, and consumable supplies (e.g., filters, stretch wrap, lubricants); manage ordering and receiving documentation.
•  Organize and oversee the Bottling Preventative Maintenance Program, coordinate with Cellar and Winemaking teams to ensure timely maintenance of designated equipment.
•  Monitor and enforce quality control standards, promptly addressing quality concerns and collaborating with Cellar and Winemaking personnel to resolve issues.
•  Supervise the maintenance of bottling facilities, including waste disposal and recycling programs, while ensuring industrial hygiene and sustainability practices.
•  Train and develop bottling staff in operational best practices and safety procedures to maintain a well-trained and efficient workforce.
•  Design and conduct packaging experiments to assess feasibility for new products and packaging solutions.
•  Perform basic packaging quality control (QC) and coordinate with vendors to resolve quality-related concerns.
•  Facilitate equipment repairs and maintenance, working closely with the Winemaker and Cellar Master to address operational issues.
•  Ensure adherence to all winery sanitation protocols, including cleanliness, operational standards, and proper storage.
•  Identify, research, and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and wine quality.
•  Evaluate staffing needs and coordinate with management to optimize labor resources, including timekeeping, scheduling, and PTO requests for both temporary and full-time bottling staff.
•  Maintain effective communication and collaboration across departments impacted by bottling operations, including Winemaking, Cellar, and Laboratory teams.
•  Ensure proper use, maintenance, and storage of bottling equipment while enforcing the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff safety.
•  Assist in bottling department management by analyzing downtime data, implementing corrective actions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
•  Support and promote a team-oriented culture across all winery operations.
•  Perform additional cellar-related tasks, including forklift operation and harvest duties, as needed.

Qualifications:
•  Strong knowledge of fermentation, filtration, and cellar operations.
•  Minimum 3 years of advanced experience in all phases of bottling operations.
•  Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in cellar operations.
•  In-depth knowledge of bottling operations, equipment, and troubleshooting procedures.
•  Ability to operate and oversee all bottling line stations with expertise.
•  Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively allocate personnel and equipment resources to ensure safe, efficient, and timely production.
•  Exceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to maintaining quality standards.
•  Proven ability to follow detailed instructions while working independently or collaboratively in a team environment.
•  Alignment with company values, including integrity, respect, value creation, compliance, and customer focus.
•  Adaptability, flexibility, and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Physical Requirements:
•  Able to work long periods while walking and standing
•  Able to climb stairs and ladders multiple times / day
•  Forklift certified or certifiable
•  Able to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly

Schedule Requirements:
•  Flexible schedule, ability to work long hours, various shifts and weekends
•  During harvest, we operate two shifts which include late and overnights, partial shifts and weekends