WineTalent is working with Mesa Vineyard Management on a Human Resources Director Search

About the Company: Mesa Vineyard Management is a leading vineyard management company on the Central Coast of California and in Oregon. The company was founded in 1989 and focuses on quality winegrape growing. The corporate headquarters are based in Templeton, CA and the company manages ranches throughout California’s Central Coast and Oregon.

About the Position: The Human Resources Director leads and executes all human resources functions for Mesa Vineyard Management and its agricultural entities, operating in a dynamic, compliance-driven environment. This role balances strategic leadership with hands-on execution to support a diverse workforce across multiple entities and operational settings. The Human Resources Director’s core responsibilities include employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, payroll oversight, performance management, training, and compliance. The Human Resources Director provides direct oversight of Health & Safety programs, workers’ compensation administration, and risk management, including Cal/OSHA compliance, injury prevention programs, claims management, and audit preparedness. The Director also oversees office management and reception at headquarters and partners with executive leadership to ensure personnel practices support operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and the organization’s culture and values.

Key Responsibilities:
Human Resources Leadership:
•  Serve as a trusted advisor and hands-on partner to executive leadership on human resources, compliance, workforce strategy, safety, and risk management.
•  Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and practices aligned with organizational objectives and a multi-entity operating environment.
•  Lead end-to-end recruitment and workforce planning, including job postings, sourcing, interviewing, selection, onboarding, and workforce integration.
•  Oversee employee benefits and retirement programs.
•  Manage employee relations, investigations, corrective actions, and performance improvement plans, ensuring consistent, compliant, and values-aligned outcomes.
•  Provide payroll governance in partnership with the payroll provider, including review and approval of payroll processing, earnings, deductions, benefit and retirement contributions, reconciliations, and audits; serve as the backup payroll processor to ensure continuity, accuracy, and compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws.
•  Design, develop and administer compensation programs, employee benefits, and open enrollment processes.
•  Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including Cal/OSHA and applicable agricultural regulations; maintain current, audit-ready HR policies and employee handbooks.
•  Oversee the compliant administration of leaves of absence (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, Workers’ Compensation), coordinating with third-party administrators to ensure timely and accurate administration.
Health and Safety:
•  Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of organization-wide Health & Safety programs, partnering with third-party safety vendors and trainers to ensure effective, compliant delivery.
•  Ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA and all applicable federal, state, and industry safety regulations, maintaining audit-ready documentation and programs.
•  Ensure required safety training is completed and documented; coordinate and oversee safety training programs, inspections, and internal and external audits.
•  Facilitate and lead monthly safety meetings with Supervisors/Managers to review incidents, trends, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
•  Oversee the timely investigation of workplace incidents, ensuring accurate reporting, corrective actions, and compliant administration of workers’ compensation claims in coordination with carriers and third-party administrators.
•  Partner closely with field and operations leadership to reinforce a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all worksites.
Office Management:
•  Oversee the day-to-day operations of the headquarters office, ensuring efficient, professional, and well-organized office operations.
•  Supervise administrative and reception staff, including oversight of an administrative team member at a separate location, ensuring consistent performance, communication, and service standards.
•  Ensure reliable front office coverage and a positive, professional experience for employees, leadership, and visitors across all office locations.
•  Manage office services and vendor relationships, including supplies, equipment, and facilities maintenance, to support operational effectiveness.
•  Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming office environment at headquarters and across supported locations.

Qualifications:
•  Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field. Advanced degrees and Human Resources certifications highly desirable.
•  Minimum of 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience with at least 3 years in a leadership role
•  Experience in agriculture, construction or manufacturing industry personnel management.
•  Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
•  Verbal and written Spanish language skills highly desirable.
•  Strong knowledge of California labor laws and HR best practices.
•  Proven experience managing safety and workers’ compensation programs.
•  Proficient in HRIS systems, Microsoft Office, and payroll/timekeeping/benefits platforms (ADP and/or AgCode a plus) including experience implementing various models of HRIS.

Compensation and Benefits:
•  This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range is $130,000 to $170,000.
•  Competitive salary plus incentive bonus. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance and 401(K) with company match.