Roles & Responsibilities

Team & Facility Leadership
Oversee the daily workflow and productivity of the winery team, including task delegation, scheduling, and development of team members.
Foster a strong culture of safety, cleanliness, accountability, and learning.
Serve as the primary production lead on-site, collaborating closely with the Head Winemaker on stylistic direction and harvest planning.
Lead the onboarding and training of new cellar crew and seasonal interns and vineyard hands.
Communicate proactively and courteously with Tasting Room management and leadership to share updates on batches, inventory, and budgetary needs

Winemaking Operations
Maintain a comprehensive vintage plan, adapting in real time to vintage conditions and fruit supply.
Conduct regular sensory evaluations and blending trials, documenting decisions and collaborating on final blends.
Track and analyze key wine chemistry metrics, working with internal or external labs as needed.

Harvest Coordination
Develop and execute detailed harvest plans, including intake scheduling, grape processing logistics, and fermentation strategies by varietal and vineyard block.
Lead vintage operations, ensuring team coverage, safety, accurate data collection, and good morale throughout the season.
Communicate proactively with growers and coordinate transportation to ensure timely and quality grape deliveries.

Equipment & Facility Management
Oversee all winery equipment maintenance, repairs, and improvements in collaboration and with approval from leadership.
Maintain proper calibration and sanitation of tanks, barrels, hoses, pumps, and lab instruments.
Ensure the facility is compliant with OSHA standards and internal safety protocols.

Compliance & Reporting
Manage federal and state compliance, including production reports, harvest declarations, and inventory records (e.g., TTB, NY SLA).
Maintain accurate and organized documentation of all production-related activities, work orders, and lab results.
Ensure traceability across all lots from grape reception through bottling and distribution.

Inventory, Supplies & Forecasting
Maintain accurate bulk and bottled wine inventories [physical and virtual] in coordination with the cellar and tasting room teams.
Forecast production needs and assist with dry goods procurement and vendor coordination. Source competitive quotes for supplies and prioritize minimizing waste.
Accurately track and report on bulk, bonded, and tax paid wines and be responsible for submitting ROWPO every quarter.

Brand Representation, Hospitality & Education
Accurately and positively represent Living Roots’ brand and wines at professional events, distributor tastings, trade visits, and media opportunities as needed representing the wines and the company in a positive and informed way.
Participate in winery-hosted and off-site events as well as wine club activities.
Collaborate with Tasting Room and marketing teams to tell the Living Roots story authentically and compellingly and provide educational information on wines so that staff can communicate to guests

Qualifications:

Degree in Enology, Viticulture, or related field and/or winemaking experience totaling 5 yrs.
2 years vintage leadership and staff management.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with winemaking software and Google Workspace; experience with Vintrace or InnoVint a plus.
Knowledge of cool-climate varietals and Finger Lakes AVA preferred.
Forklift certification and ability to operate other winery equipment safely.
Ability to lift 50 lbs and work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and extended shifts during harvest.