Head Winemaker at Distell

Job description

Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity for one of the most prestigious positions in the wine industry, Distell’s Head Winemaker position, based in Stellenbosch. This person will report to the Head: Centre of Excellence Intrinsic and be part of the Supply Chain team.

Purpose Statement of Position

The purpose of this position is to provide group wide leadership and create long term strategic value in the provision of intrinsic standards and processes for the Wine portfolio within Distell in line with global leading practises, as well as promoting the image and credibility through quality endorsement and awards.

Key Performance Areas would include, but are not limited to:

• Area 1: Intrinsic Management across an integrated Global Supply Chain
• Strategic development and continuous improvement of the Wine manufacturing intrinsic approach.
• Ensure cross functional integration of Supply Chain Best Practice.
• Determine an Intrinsic Management strategy for the Wine portfolio that is aligned with Distell’s long term business strategy.
• Area 2: Operational Results
• Ensure functional production process plans are developed to directly support the Wine manufacturing strategy and that they are effectively executed.
• Production efficiency is driven by continuous improvement of processes and skill levels of employees.
• Assisting with and facilitating intrinsic problem solving by providing technical support.
• Create excellence in quality management awards.
• Area 3: Customer & Relationship Results
• Effective external relationships with suppliers, local- & global industry experts, customers, media representatives & other business partners are actively developed and maintained.
• Internal functional network is developed and maintained to directly contribute to the achievement of results of the Wine manufacturing sites.
• Represent Distell at local and international Wine associations, committees, events and competitions.
• Area 4: Leadership Results
• Ensure mission critical roles are identified, supported by sufficient short- and long term succession cover.
• Critical skills are identified, developed & retained by the division to ensure functional excellence.
• Management Team is committed to the functional plans/ targets and work to collectively achieve it.
• Area 5: Innovation & Improvement Results
• Ensure that continuous improvement is driven across all levels of the division in an environment that values creativity and innovation.
• To provide value-adding support to the Business in terms of business improvement initiatives.
• Create opportunities for breakthrough innovation.
• Ensure that employees continuously strive towards achieving & exceeding world class production practices.
• Drive transformation within the global wine industry.

The Successful Candidate Must Have The Following Experience/skills

• A relevant and recognised post-graduate qualification.
• Minimum 12 -15 years’ relevant working experience of wines with a global footprint.
• Extensive international wine experience, together with broad knowledge of the positioning of wines at price points in different markets.
• Proven track record of producing wines of outstanding quality.
• Excellence sensory / tasting ability.
• World Class Manufacturing experience.
• Thorough understanding of the FMCG value chain.
• Strategic and Innovative thinker.
• Sound Commercial Acumen.
• Action Orientation with creative Problem Solving capability.
• Strong influencing skills.
• Team player with strong relationship building ability.
• Excellent communication skills to ensure effective collaboration with various internal & external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of effective public speaking and being the custodian of wines for the company.
• Able to embrace continuous learning and change management.

Closing date: 1 April 2017