Deadline for applications: Friday, 31st October 2025

Delegat is building a leading global super premium wine company with state-of-the-art wineries and world class vineyards in some of the top regions of New Zealand and Australia. The vertically integrated operations include a global distribution network and partnerships with some of the world’s most recognised national retail chains and venues. Through significant and ongoing investment, Delegat has grown more than twentyfold since 2002 and is well positioned for further growth and success.

Focused on quality and the distinct characteristics of the region, the Marlborough winery produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world, with the Oyster Bay brand a category leader and consistently in the top selling wines in key global markets. The forty thousand tonne winery is regarded as some of the most technologically advanced winemaking operations in the world.

The new Senior Winemaker / Winery Manager will be responsible for the Marlborough winery operations and production of the region’s portfolio of wines, proactively leading a quality-focused and high performing team.

This is a new leadership role that will report directly to the Head of Winemaking and work closely with the broader wine team, contributing to continuous improvement and long-term growth strategies. This is an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary global wine industry success story, with supported career progression pathways.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and People Management

• Manage and develop the winery team, providing leadership, direction and opportunities for continuous learning and development
• Ensure all staff and contract labour are appropriately trained and follow SOPs, policies, and processes
• Manage seasonal, contract and sub-contract labour
• Support collaboration, teamwork and a positive workplace culture
• Lead inter-winery communications and develop strong working relationships to ensure consistency across operations and processes

Winemaking, Processes and Quality

• Manage all winemaking, cellar processes and laboratory operations to deliver wine to style, budget and timelines
• Support winemakers to develop and maintain winemaking specifications
• Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement

Operations Management

• Develop and monitor an annual operating plan, ensuring goals are achieved and provide regular progress reports
• Jointly develop an annual Harvest Operations Process Plan, coordinating viticulture and winemaking activities to ensure agreed production outcomes
• Liaise with bottling and logistics partners to ensure required inventory is delivered and shipped on time, and meets quality standards
• Ensure winemaking and operations information systems are maintained and updated
• Assist with capital investment projects, providing input on requirements, and ensuring implementation and training for all new machinery and equipment

Administration, Site Management and Compliance

• Ensure the site is compliant with all necessary regulations
• Manage a preventative maintenance program
• Ensure site security and access is appropriately managed

Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability

• Lead and embed a proactive health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations, and company policies and standards
• Develop and incorporate HSE objectives into annual business planning processes
• Monitor WHS performance and incidents, providing records, reports and recommendations for continuous improvements
• Apply the principles of long-term sustainability in all activities, in line with company policy and SWNZ certification

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Tertiary qualification in Oenology, or related discipline
• Experience managing large-scale winery operations, with commercial acumen
• Proven, strong people leadership skills and ability to manage a multidisciplinary team
• 10+ years relevant industry experience, with strong technical winemaking knowledge
• Astute understanding of sensory analysis and quality evaluation
• Well-developed understanding of HSE/WHS legislation, policies and best practice
• Analytical and critical reasoning skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proactive and attention to detail
• Strong organisation, planning and process improvement skills
• Ability to work extended hours when required
• Current driver’s licence

To discuss this role or receive a copy of the position description, contact Glenn Thompson at gthompson@winenet.com.au or 0438 308 278.