WineTalent Classifieds: Vice President of Finance in St. Helena, CA

WineTalent is working with our client, Long Meadow Ranch, on a Vice President of Finance role.  

Long Meadow Ranch (LMR) is a family-�owned and -operated producer and purveyor of world�-class wine and food that is economically successful and socially responsible and that employs diversified, sustainable, and organic farming methods. LMR produces award�-winning wines, hand-crafted extra virgin olive oils, grass-�fed beef and lamb, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

LMR has farming operations in Northern California on more than 2500 acres in Napa, Marin, Mendocino, and Humboldt counties, including three winegrowing estates in the Mayacamas Mountains, Rutherford, and Anderson Valley.  Long Meadow Ranch also operates a sustainable food, wine, and agricultural education destination located in St. Helena, CA, which is anchored by the distinctive farm-to-table restaurant, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. New projects are being developed on multiple LMR-owned properties, including winery production facilities, agricultural improvements (major vineyard re-plantings, water systems, livestock handling facilities, etc.), and guest lodging

LMR has an exciting opportunity for a Vice President of Finance to contribute to the overall success of LMR by effectively managing the financial affairs of one of its key vertically integrated wine entities, LMR Wine Estates LLC.   The Vice President of Finance will be a member of the executive team. The Vice President of Finance will be responsible for all financial reporting for LMR Wine Estates and will also be accountable for analyzing the current business and planning for future business needs. The Vice President of Finance will provide high quality financial planning and analysis, including providing detailed financial modeling for established and potential projects. 

The Vice President of Finance serves in a core leadership role and is responsible for driving both the strategic and hands-on execution of financial planning & accounting, financial & managerial reporting, investor relations, partnerships & contracts. This position requires excellent verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal relationship skills and a commitment to integrity.

This position reports directly to the COO & Executive Vice President. Direct reports include Accounting Manager and Wholesale Customer Service & DTC Sales Coordinator. 

  

Responsibilities:

Financial Planning  & Accounting

?      Direct all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, finance, and cash management functions of the Company

?      Establish and implement next generation financial accounting systems, controls, and measurement systems to assure fiscal integrity as well as accurate and timely financial and management reporting

?      Formalize and document accounting and finance standard operating processes (SOPs) to ensure accurate and timely data synthesis

?      Manage the annual budget and strategic business planning processes, working closely with the CEO & President, COO & Executive Vice President, and key operating managers

?      Manage relationship with accounting firm; oversee and direct all tax-related activities

?      Assure compliance with state, federal, and general accounting and regulatory guidelines

?      Maintain solid banking relationships

?      Direct ongoing analysis of Company�s capital requirements to ensure appropriate capitalization and availability of funds

?      Manage entity reporting required by Company investors

?      Maintain all Company financing and capitalization documents, including details related to stock ownership rights, limited partnership interests, warrants and options.
 

Financial & Managerial Reporting and Analysis

?      Develop and deliver timely, accurate, and effective analysis and reporting of financial and operational performance to the key operating managers, COO & EVP, CEO & President and Advisory Board

?      Track and measure performance relative to budgets, schedules, milestones, and performance targets, providing timely feedback to the key operating managers, COO & EVP, and CEO & President

?      Develop and manage budget, periodic financial forecasts, short and long term financial projections, Company cash positions, current risks and probabilities

?      Prepare timely financial report packages for review by the key operating managers, COO & EVP, CEO & President and Advisory Board

?      Interact with Advisory Board as appropriate, on financial and business matters.

?      Ensure compliance and accurate reporting with regard to all regulatory matters

?      Perform operationally focused financial analysis and intelligence gathering to support strategic and business development initiatives

?      Provide guidance and advice on proposed capital expenditures

?      Recommend opportunities for profit improvement, productivity enhancement and cost reduction.

Finance, Accounting & Administrative Team Management and Development

?      Contribute and continue to drive a culture of collaboration

?      Become a go-to resource by continuing to develop and foster a strong team which is sought out and respected by the entire organization for the quality of information and insight provided

?      Encourage innovative approaches to employee communications, continuous improvement, recognition, and celebration in order to attract, reward and retain the highest quality staff

Partnerships & Contracts

?      Assist the COO & EVP and key operating managers in financial analysis and negotiation of partnerships, licensing and contracts

?      Manage preparation, negotiation, review, and acceptance of all contractual documents

?      Advise management of contractual rights and obligations and provide interpretation of terms and conditions.
 

Legal & Risk Management

?      Ensure the Company is in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations and that internal agreements as well as client contracts and SLA�s are properly documented and followed

?      Assume responsibility for Company�s risk management program, including identification of current or potential risks; devise strategies for minimizing Company exposure and cost

?      Oversee and administer Company liability and casualty insurance policies.

Qualifications and Requirements:

?      Bachelor�s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business

?      Certified Public Accountants preferred

?      Distinctive finance and accounting experience of 5 years or more within diversified agricultural organizations

?      Proven understanding of finance and accounting issues related to agricultural production (cash basis), winery and restaurant businesses highly desirable

?      Extensive experience with Quickbooks required

?      Experience using Targit Decision Suite sales analytics software highly desirable 

?      Prior experience implementing new accounting software systems and/or ERP required

Compensation and Benefits:

?      Competitive compensation depending on experience plus benefits including medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k).

Interested in this position?  Please email your resume to me at amy@winetalent.net.  All communications will be kept completely confidential.

WineTalent Classifieds: Director of Winemaking Position in the Central Valley

WineTalent is working with our client, O�Neill Vintners and Distillers, on a Director of Winemaking position at their Parlier, CA location.  O�Neill is a family owned and operated company producing wines and spirits for customers throughout North America.  The company is a premier bulk wine producer with a state-of-the-art production facility and a team of winemakers dedicated to quality production.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing company. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Oversee all aspects of wine production.
• Hire, direct and manage winemaking staff.
• Direct winemaking and wine blending to satisfy bulk and bottling programs according to volume, specification and style.
• Develop and maintain consistent wine styles for key customers using sales and production data.
• Interact with Grower Relations team on grape schedules and picking decisions.
• Ensure safe and efficient cellar operations.
• Interact with the Operations team on new equipment and infrastructure needs.
• Work with the sales team to ensure availability of wines for various programs and plan for long-term inventory.
• Ensure strong commitment to customer relationships an involvement in routine customer meetings.
• Winemaking department budgeting, planning, and forecasting. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor�s degree in Viticulture and Enology, Food Science, Fermentation Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or related. 
• At least 7 years of winemaking experience in a winemaking facility.
• Personnel management experience. 
• Proven palate with the ability to evaluate wines with confidence and clarity.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills. 
• Ability to work within a dynamic organization with changing priorities and workflow.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently. 
• Prior budgeting and P&L management experience.

WineTalent is an executive search firm focused on the wine industry.  If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  All communications will be kept strictly confidential. 

WineTalent Classifieds: Metro LA Sales Representative

WineTalent is working with our client, Long Meadow Ranch, on a Metro Los Angeles Sales Representative search.

Long Meadow Ranch (LMR) is a family-owned and -operated producer and purveyor of world-class wine and food that is economically successful and socially responsible and that employs diversified, sustainable, and organic farming methods. LMR produces award-winning wines, hand-crafted extra virgin olive oils, grass-fed beef and lamb, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

LMR has an exciting opportunity for a Salesperson to represent LMR wine brands in the greater metropolitan Los Angeles area. Reporting to the Western Sales Manager, the person will be working in conjunction with our distributor partners in the Southern California market, with additional sales support responsibilities in Las Vegas, NV and Phoenix, AZ as needed. This role will work independently as well as with our distributors� sales teams to sell, establish and maintain relationships with on and off premise accounts in these markets. Additionally this role works collaboratively with the entire LMR sales team on national and chain account development and maintenance.  

Responsibilities:  
Work closely with Regional Sales Manager to understand pricing, programming and incentive plans.
Represent and sell LMR wines in the region through account calls.
Work with on and off premise accounts to develop relationships and foster the sales growth of the LMR brands in the market.
Manage special sales projects including winemaker/owner dinners, VIP tastings and industry events.
In conjunction with the Vice President of Sales, the Western Sales Manager and the LMR executive team, support the development of a sales plan and support meetings with key distributor management members to further establish and maintain the relationship between LMR and the distributor network. 
Track shipments and depletion reports. Work to eliminate any discrepancies.

Qualifications and Requirements:
At least 2 years of work experience in the greater Los Angeles market within wine sales, restaurants or food and beverage. Wine sales experience in the Southern California market for either a supplier or a distributor is highly desirable.
Bachelor�s degree desirable, relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.
Additional wine education highly desirable. 
High proficiency in office productivity tools including Google Drive, Google Docs and email. Understanding of Targit software a plus.  
Valid Driver�s license and clean driving record required.  
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits 
Competitive salary and incentive program depending on experience plus benefits including medical/dental insurance, paid vacation and 401(k).

Are you interested in this position?  Email me your resume at amy@winetalent.net.  I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

WineTalent Classifieds: Safety Manager

Job Posting:  Safety Manager

Safety Manager:  WineTalent is working with our client Bogle Vineyards based in Clarksburg, CA to find a Safety Manager to continue to foster a safety culture at the winery, the production facility and at the warehouse facility.  Bogle Vineyards is a sixth-generation family owned and operated winery in the heart of the Clarksburg AVA.  The Safety Manager will work closely with all of the employees to maintain their focus on safety and to continue to meet and exceed safety needs of the company.  The Safety Manager will be interacting closely with many departments and will be providing routine training and safety oversight.   

The Safety Manager�s Key Responsibilities:

• Assists with the implementation of safety and health programs by presenting training and completing audits
• Participates in the implementation of environmental policies and procedures by conducting training and completing inspections
• Develops, implements, and coordinates safety and health policies and procedures to reduce or eliminate occupational injuries, illnesses, deaths, and the financial losses associated
• Reviews and evaluates various job activities and new processes for safety, health, and environmental issues and makes recommendations to control or eliminate hazards
• Assesses facility compliance with Bogle Vineyards Safety Manual requirements
• Responds to and investigates reports of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions; reviews recommendations and/or takes appropriate action in order to mitigate potential safety, health, and environmental risk
• Facilitates safety committees meetings, conducts root cause analysis, incident investigations and works with the local management team regarding Health & Safety
• Facilitates site wide �all hands safety meetings� 
• Assists in the development and updating of matrices to track and trend safety and environmental program performance
• Supports contractor safety, health, and environmental compliance
• Serves as a company resource for safety, health, and environmental; interacts with regulatory agencies, customers, and others as necessary
• Develops and delivers presentations on environmental, health, and safety topic including supporting monthly department safety meetings
• Conducts accident investigations and safety inspections in support of the company safety program
• Assists in management of company�s worker injury management program including arranging for medical treatment, documenting records, following up on cases, and paying bills
• Assists Human Resources with worker�s compensation claims and the Modified Duty program.

• Assists in the management of the company OSHA 300 log including completion of the annual summary for posting.
• Conducts required OSHA employee training as required
• Contributes to the development or revision of OSHA and CAL/OSHA compliance

• Responsible for maintaining the companies safety and training records
• Responsible for ensuring all departments complete monthly safety meetings, trainings and inspections.
• Assist in updating and maintaining company�s IIPP 
• Conducts required OSHA employee training as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience: Three to five years in a safety role.
• Language skills: Bilingual (English/Spanish) language skills are highly desirable.  
• Bachelor�s degree in Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities Management or related.  Work experience in health and safety with certifications in EH&S and OSHA will also be considered.  
• Extensive experience with worker�s compensation, OSHA and training.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite with advanced skills in Excel.
• Proven ability to influence others in a positive manner.
• Capability of prioritizing and handling multiple projects simultaneously, under tight time constraints and shifting prioritization

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and navigate catwalks
• Ability to walk up to 2 to 3 miles a day
• Ability to stand on your feet for up to 6 hrs a day.

This is a full-time, exempt position.  Interested Candidates, please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net  

Employers: Why You Shouldn't Post a Blind Box Ad

Every day I scan the top job postings that come through on my Wine Business Daily Digest.  (To get your daily digest, go here).  I was just scanning one of the roles, DTC Manager, and wondered who was hiring. Clicking over to the link, it is a blind box ad.  This means that the company is not mentioned and the email address is a generic one.

The Nancy Drew in me always kicks in and I start to wonder who is hiring.  The clues I have are that it is in Paso Robles, is with a growing winery and with a winery that has a solid tasting room staff in place.  Knowing that there are about 180 wineries in Paso I can narrow it down fairly quickly.  If I was in Paso Robles and knew the word on the street of which wineries were growing fast and had a strong hospitality and tasting room staff, I could quickly narrow it down even further.

Why do companies post blind box ads?  Well, anonymity is the first goal.  If you have a small managerial or personnel staff, you probably don't want to get barraged by calls from job seekers, some of which you probably know.  The second goal often is to keep the search confidential within the company.  Why is this fast growing Paso Robles winery seeking a DTC Manager?  Did their manager possibly give notice, isn't working out, or maybe is out on medical leave?

Anonymity and confidentiality can also work against you when searching for that next employee.  With this blind box ad they are seeking a  DTC Manager with proven leadership skills who can maintain the winery's status as the best in class.  This job takes a great talent.  But will the best in class apply for this role?

The Best in Class Won't Apply:  Often highly qualified people will not apply if it is a blind box ad. The reasons why are very understandable.  First off, if they are in Paso at another winery they may not want their current employer to know they are looking.  (Resume submissions should be kept confidential, but people are people and sometimes might talk out of turn to their friends.)  If this talented DTC Manager is working at a best in class winery, they could rightly worry that they would be applying for a position with their own employer. (Visit my Beware the Blind Box Ad post for a job seeker's perspective)

The Rest Probably will Apply:  So if the talent that has carefully cultivated their careers do not apply, who will end up applying to this position.  Everyone else.  You will get the Florida based hotel receptionist who manages the hotel's social media campaign.  You'll get the telecommunications exec who wants to make a lifestyle change and loves Paso Robles wine community.  You'll get the tasting room associate who is known to sample a bit too many of the bottles he is pouring for the guests.  This does not build on your best in class status.

Use the Brand Name You Have Built:  This company is a thriving Paso based winery with best in class status.  So use that to your advantage.  If you have the best wine tasting, hospitality and education staff in the area, scream it from the rooftops and let job seekers know they would be lucky to be able to join the staff.

Uh-Oh!  Now You are Getting Inundated with Resumes and Inquiries:  Good! If you post the position and are a world class winery, you want to be inundated with highly qualified candidates.  You want the best in class to work every angle to get the opportunity to get an interview.

So How Can You Manage A Posting Better?  It is easy for me to say "shout your company's name from the rooftops" but I also know that you need to be able to control the search process.  Here's how I would control the process a bit better.  While you are putting your winery's name on the ad, you can create an email box that is something like jobs@BestinClassWinery.  When resumes are submitted to that, respond to the emails letting people know their resume has been received and is under review.  When crafty candidates find out who is the hiring manager and leave you a message, be happy they used their good investigative skills and hear what they have to say.

And When a You Might Want to Outsource the Search:  When you can't scream the company name from the rooftops due to confidentiality needs, you can turn to a search firm.  As a recruiter, I do keep all company and candidate information confidential.  I can contact those best-in-class stars at the competition and find out if they are interested in talking about the job.  I can also screen candidates that apply to the job--if they are not good for this role they often will be good candidates for a future opportunity.  While not every winery does need to use a search consultant, it is an option to keep in mind.  WineTalent:  The Right People for the Job!