Grower Relations Manager and Viticulturist
Vineyard | Napa, CA | Full Time | From $80,000.00 to $120,000.00 per year
The Grower Relations Manager and Viticulturist role is a multi-level position focused on expanding and improving the quality of the external grape supplier network, managing sales of estate fruit to 3rd party customers, and general involvement in Napa Valley Estate Vineyard activities including large scale redevelopment projects, technical trials, and efficiency improvement initiatives. You will operate as the lead point of contact with external grape suppliers and grape buying customers, negotiating contracts and monitoring to ensure viticulture practices are consistent with Hess standards.
ABOUT US:
Passion, dedication, and perseverance have been the guiding principles of Hess Persson Estates since Donald Hess founded the winery in 1978. Led by the next generation of Hess Family, we honor Donald’s legacy through our classic and new age luxury wines from California’s premiere growing regions. We pride ourselves in providing a space for our employees’ talents to shine, encouraging professional growth, and prioritizing a positive culture where we celebrate our company wins together.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for managing and overseeing general growing activities from pruning to harvest for external growers, and Estate Pope Valley Vineyards as assigned.
Support Grower’s inquiries related to seasonal practices such as timing of shoot thinning, canopy management and crop thinning. Address timely discussions related to harvest estimates, potential contract over supply and internal grape needs. Ensure that grape quality and value are maximized and that good viticulture practices are followed.
Directly negotiate grape contracts, operating within delegated authority limits
Manage administrative aspects of grape contracting and payments.
Clearly reconcile the supply/demand balance position, identify and execute supply strategies.
Oversee annual crop forecasting and grape maturity sampling for Grower Vineyards
Assist with harvest scheduling and logistics: responsible for scheduling harvest with growers, ensure trucking logistics; reporting harvest weights through AgCode and communication with growers our day to day needs and capabilities.
Work closely with Winemaking Team to evaluate vineyards and wines. Reviewing and grading contracted blocks with Winemaking Team; share and discuss with growers how their vineyards performed.
Work closely with Vineyard Operations Team to execute farming, redevelopment, and technical trials across Hess’ 500 acres of Napa Valley Estate vineyards.
Participate in company sustainability and safety initiatives and compliance activities including Fish Friendly Farming and California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
Encouraged to participate and attend regional educational events within the wine industry to grow our network and share new findings.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in viticulture, horticulture, fruit/crop science or related agricultural field.
Minimum 5 years of directly relevant experience in wine grape growing
Proven success working with and leading high-performance teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to relate to people at all levels.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experienced in contract negotiation.
Willing to work extended hours as needed to accomplish the needs of the business during key periods of the growing season (i.e. managing logistics during harvest)
Communication skills in Spanish are highly desirable but not a requirement.
Proficiency in the Microsoft office suite. Can effectively synthesize information for executive level staff.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS
- Competitive base salary
- Annual bonus and merit increase programs
- Compassionate and family oriented management team and company culture
- Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance
- Short and long term disability, AD&D, and life insurance plans 100% paid by the employer
- 401k plan with a 100% company match up to first 6% an employee contributes (eligible after 6 months of employment)
- Paid Time Off (starting at 3 weeks vacation, 5 sick and 10 paid holidays).
- Wine Club Membership to Hess Persson Estates
- Employee wine discount
- A work environment where you can be your authentic self and be a part of a winning team!
This role’s compensation is anticipated to fit within the range of $80,000 - $120,000 annual salary. These figures represent what we reasonably expect to pay for this position, but the actual compensation offered will depend upon numerous job-related factors, including but not limited to candidate skills, experience, knowledge and education.
Hess Persson Estates is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information, see the EEOC's "Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law" poster. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at 707-265-3487.
Want to learn more about our brands and the company? Check us out online!
Hess Persson Estates: https://www.hessperssonestates.com