Position Title: Head Winemaker
Location: SKYE CHASE Estate Winery, St. Thomas ON
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time 40/week
Reports To: CEO & General Manager
Salary: Starting at $100,000.00 plus potential performance bonus
Benefits: Yes (following 90-Day probation period)

Applicant Qualities
We are seeking an experienced, accomplished Head Winemaker with a passion for crafting some of Ontario’s finest wines.

This is an opportunity for a visionary leader and collaborative team player who is committed to upholding and elevating the Skye Chase brand through uncompromising quality, innovation and excellence.

The successful candidate will bring exceptional technical expertise, creative thinking and an unwavering enthusiasm for producing outstanding wines while inspiring those around them to achieve success together.

Qualifications & Experience
•  Degree or Diploma in Oenology, Viticulture, Winemaking, or related field preferred.
•  Minimum 5 years of commercial production winemaking experience.
•  Experience supervising or leading cellar/production teams.
•  Knowledge of VQA regulations and Ontario winemaking requirements.
•  Hands-on experience with production equipment and cellar machinery.
•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
•  Experience with Winemaking Software preferred.
•  Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
•  Able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced production environment.

Additional Requirements
•  Ability to work extended hours during harvest and peak production periods (including evenings/weekends).
•  Ability to lift 25kg and work safely with production equipment.
•  Comfortable working at heights and in various cellar conditions.

Role and Responsibilities
Senior Management Role
•  Work closely with the CEO, Executive Team and General Manager to establish packaged product volume and development of new product.
•  Assist in deciding fruit needs for the coming and subsequent season(s).
•  Participate in Departmental, Senior Management and Executive meetings.

Harvest & Fruit Selection/Management
•  Work with the Senior Management Team, in particular the Vineyard Manager and General Manager, to determine the optimal time for harvesting.
•  Working with the Vineyard Manager and cellar staff manage the harvesting process.
•  Coordinate/perform all testing and trials as needed.
•  Manage relationships with external suppliers to secure grapes or juice when necessary.

Fermentation and Aging Process
•  Manage the entire aging process for all juice and products.
•  On-going monitoring of all wines and at all stages in the aging process.

Bottling
•  Prepare wines for evaluation by the CEO, General Manager & Executive Team for tasting.
•  Manage all aspects of blending.
•  Oversee the entire bottling process, including ordering bottling supplies, arranging transportation, added staff (if required) and delivery of finished goods.
•  Set production schedules on inventory, sales needs and direction from CEO & General Manager.

Production, Lab & Aging Space Management
•  Always remain aware and vigilant that equipment and space is operating correctly and of the highest possible condition.
•  Ensure product levels are sustained in accordance with sales forecasts.
•  Ensure the production lab space is operated and maintained with the highest regard.
•  Creates SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for team.

Daily Operations
•  Supervise maintenance and repair of equipment and tanks used in the cellar operation.
•  Manage inventory levels of supplies and materials used in production.
•  Manage effectively all third-party vendors.
•  Ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to in maintaining a safe work environment.

Production Department Supervision
•  Leads recruitment, selection and training of needed staff.
•  Schedule production staff according to needs while ensuring adherence to budget.
•  Provide direction and support to ensure tasks are clearly understood and performed correctly.
•  Completes annual reviews for staff.
•  Is accountable for overall engagement, productivity, turnover and performance of the department.
•  Ensure effective and consistent communication with staff and peers, attending regular meetings and training sessions to ensure alignment of priorities and goals.

Record Keeping / Required Reporting
•  Maintain records and report as legislatively and corporately required.
•  Maintain a work log of third-party work orders, bottling reports, and harvest slips.
•  Ensure all required records are maintained as required for all AGCO/LCBO and VQA standards.
•  Completes VQA submissions; enters and produces submissions.

Brand Promotion
•  Participate as required in brand awareness and promotion events, including on and off-site functions.
•  On occasion and when previously arranged provide both private and public tours.
•  Promote Skye Chase and its products at every available opportunity.

Other Duties as Assigned
•  Take on additional appropriate tasks as required to support the overall operation of the winery.