- In a small wine company there is often 1 Operations Manager. This role can encompass managing all wine logistics for the supplier portfolio, stock & reserve control/landing/deliveries/tracking shipments, resolving import queries, managing customer service enquiries, tastings & events and budgetary responsibilities. This is a wide ranging role and can be very busy. The salary range is surprisingly wide and can be very different across companies.
- Those in these roles with 3+ years’ experience can find themselves in significant demand for operations roles in larger companies as there is limited progression for them in the smaller company. The wide-ranging experience gained in a small company is attractive to larger teams.
- If moving to a larger company to join an operations team then at this point there will be a narrowing of focus of their responsibilities but more potential for progression and development in their career.
- Typically operations teams will work most of the week in the office. Hybrid working is in place for most operations roles but it is very varied between companies. Some negotiation on hybrid working is possible when moving roles but it is limited.
- There is currently downwards pressure on salary increases particularly for junior and mid-level roles. Whereas during 2021 – 2024 salary increases on moving companies were 6-16% the current range is 5-12%.
Wine Hiring Trends: 2026 So far: Four areas shaping the wine sales talent market
Where hiring demand is strongest, the challenge is becoming increasingly specific: – Experienced people are settled – Relationship capital is concentrated in incumbents –
