Technical Manager (Wine) Leading UK Agency Business

Overall Job Purpose:

To manage the technical demands of our customers and supplier-partner portfolio, maximising internal and external stakeholder customer service, supplier efficiencies and sales opportunities

Key Attributes:

• Wholly committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and the continuous development of sustainable practices in support of our ESG aspirations
• Highly organised, methodical and capable of multi-tasking with a wide range of stakeholders
• A problem solver, able to think strategically and work cross-functionally at all levels of an organisation
• Be highly numerate, IT literate and a good communicator with excellent people skills
• A self-motivated completer-finisher, capable of meeting challenging deadlines
• Able to manage own priorities and other stakeholder requirements
• Highly committed to doing a job to the very best of their ability, and have an inbuilt desire to achieve their best for the business

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manage the HACCP, QA, complaint & non-conformity processes and quality performance monitoring within our Quality Management System (QMS).

2. Lead the Internal Audit team covering our QMS, Environment Management System (EMS) and other ESG aspirations and to lead the preparation and delivery of external audits such as BRCGS, ISO & Soil Association.

3. Develop & manage our ‘Gold Standard’ supplier guide, ensuring all suppliers are kept up to date with UK legislative requirements, Customer requirements and general best practices. Co-ordinate and manage Customer requirements for technical, quality, environment and social audits across our supply partners.

4. Work with the National Account Manager (NAM) & Brand Management (BM) teams & supply partners to deliver technical requirements for product development and customer own label requirements.

5. Work with our Brand Management team & supply partners to ensure products are compliantly packaged.

6. To lead product specifications and QA for our bulk wine packed in the UK program.

These duties and responsibilities are indicative and not exhaustive. We may make adjustments from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the organisation. We may require you to carry out reasonable alternatives within the character of your post. We expect you to adopt a flexible approach to your role but will consult you about significant changes. All administration to be completed clearly, concisely and on time. To be aware of the importance of the company’s reputation and aspire to enhance this through effective individual and team work.

Stakeholders

• Commercial, Marketing, Brand Management, Sales, Finance and Supply Chain & Customer Service
• Brand owners
• External agencies

Education & Experience (Preferred but not essential)

• Demonstrable experience in wine QA, vinification & quality safety systems including HACCP and BRCGS.
• Demonstrable knowledge of National UK Retailer technical platforms, own label requirements and technical policies.
• Degree level qualification in food safety, vinification or similar field, although experience and proven capability are highly sought after for this role.

Hours of Work and Travel

Normally 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9 to 4pm Friday, but the nature of the job will require additional time to be worked outside of these hours. To be mainly office-based (Berkshire/Surrey Border) with the capacity for appropriate flexible working arrangements.  Travel within the UK, to LCB, Encirc or Greencroft (UK wine bottling partners) and abroad to visit our winery partners (Northern and Southern Hemisphere), will be required as part of the role.

Remuneration

As this is the first hire of its kind we are open to discussing salary requirements (we envisage a range of c. £45-59k base which will depend on your experience)  plus a company bonus, 25 days holidays, wine allowance, pension etc.