Cellar Lead (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Raymond Vineyards

  St. Helena, California

Job Description:

Position Summary: The Cellar Lead will collaborate closely with the Cellar Operations Manager to oversee the cellar and production team. This role focuses on supervising the production process, training new hires, and participating in work order execution. Additionally, the Cellar Lead will coordinate with the winemakers to ensure that production, shipping and receiving, and bottling deadlines are met.

Essential Functions:

•  Oversee sanitation, barrel preparation, equipment maintenance, and forklift operations.

•  Manage barrel movements, ensuring accurate scanning and processing of all barrels.

•  Review work order records for tanks and barrels.

•  Collaborate with the laboratory for timely analyses and informed production decisions.

•  Work with the Maintenance team to identify and resolve winery issues.

•  Track and manage employee personal protective equipment (PPE).

•  Assist in monitoring and ordering gases, cleaning supplies, and wine additives.

•  Operate all winery equipment and supervise equipment setups throughout the day.

•  Train harvest temporary staff on chemical usage, cellar operations, and staging for harvest mock setups.

•  Maintain communication with winemaking staff, cellar staff, weighmasters, interns, and maintenance teams.

•  Perform other tasks as assigned by the Cellar Operations Manager or winemaking staff.

•  Support special projects, standard operating procedure (SOP) improvements, and bottling initiatives.

Safety & Leadership:

•  Lead by example by adhering to all safety protocols.

•  Enforce safety rules and conduct training sessions on safety practices.

•  Promptly address and report any unsafe conditions or accidents.

•  Motivate, train, and supervise the cellar crew in both English and Spanish.

•  Organize and assign work orders to ensure production standards are met.

•  Monitor and evaluate staff performance, addressing any conflicts as necessary.

Necessary Skills:

•  Strong leadership and team management abilities.

•  Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

•  Goal setting and accountability

•  Proficient in identifying defects in wine, procedures, or equipment.

•  Basic computer skills (Word, Excel).

•  Knowledge of winemaking processes and winery equipment operation.

•  Fluent in English and Spanish preferred.

Education, Experience, Certificates, Licenses:

•  High School Diploma, bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, and two years of experience in a cellar; or equivalent experience consisting of four years in a cellar; or a combination of education and experience that is equivalent.

•  A current, valid driver's license, an insurable driving record, and proof of current automobile insurance are required.

•  Forklift certification and/or training is also required.

Physical Requirements:

•  Heavy physical activity performing regular strenuous activities, including standing, walking, climbing, reaching, carrying, pushing, pulling, squatting, and other motions. Stability and balance adequate for elevated and/or narrow work areas. Requires lifting and moving objects up to 50 lbs. in weight independently, and up to 100 lbs. or more with assistance. Manual dexterity sufficient to reach, grasp, hold, handle items, and work with the fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Clear vision (close and distant), peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Hearing adequate for working safely around machinery, vehicles, and other equipment.

Work Environment:

•  Indoor and outdoor environment with variable lighting, temperature and/or ventilation. Areas may or may not be heated, air-conditioned, or shaded. Outdoor periods frequently required in changing weather conditions. Exposure to fumes and/or a variety of chemicals. Moderate to high noise levels typical of machinery, power tools, vehicles, and other equipment. (Note: PPE provided for all workers.)

Schedule and Travel Requirements:

•  Variable schedule: Primarily a set schedule but requires weekends, periodic evenings, and/or periodic or seasonal overtime particularly during grape harvest.

•  Position may include minimal overnight travel and/or travel by auto or air.

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