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.

Desperately Seeking YOU: Passive Job Seekers Need to be Found Too

With the continued need for top-notch talent and tight labor market, we recruiters are working overtime to find the right people for the job.  Time spent in front of our computer terminals is increasing, and our searches in LinkedIn, Facebook and our other toolboxes are our lifeblood.  Recruiters need to find passive job seekers, those of you who are possibly interested in a new job, but are fairly content in your current position.  So it is heartbreaking when one of my searches turns up the ideal candidate, but there is no way to reach this person.

My Mission:  My mission today is to get people to put their personal contact information into their professional profiles.  Whether that is in my main tool, LinkedIn, or if you are an active user of Facebook, CareerBuilder, The Ladders, or another online site, make sure you are reachable.  I know you want to control your privacy settings, but if you lock me out I can't reach you.

Here's my action plan to be found if you are possibly thinking about a new job:

1. Make a LinkedIn profile that is similar to a resume.  
2. On your LinkedIn profile, use an email that is active and you will receive messages for.  Seems simple, but too often we set up our profile with an old address, or that personal email we seldom check.  Well, guess what, if I send you a message in LinkedIn, probably you won't ever see it.  Opportunity is knocking.....
3. Check your LinkedIn messages often.  Respond to them, including the best way to reach you if you are interested in hearing about possible opportunities.  I do encourage you to use a personal email account so that there is no issue with your current employer.
4. Add contacts that you know.  The larger your network is in LinkedIn, the more likely you are to be found in a search.  

Help me out!  Desperate times call for desperate measures.  This post is completely self serving.  In turn, I look forward to helping you out with a great career advancement opportunity.  

WineTalent Classifieds: Wine, Spirits, and Food Packaging Salespeople Needed NOW!

WineTalent is working with our client, Saxco International, on several sales positions.  We are looking for salespeople on the Central Coast of California, in Portland Oregon and in the SF Bay Area to sell glass and packaging to the wine, spirits and food industries.  Here are the roles:

Central Coast of California:  Wine glass and packaging salesperson to represent Saxco in the market. The salesperson will be maintaining existing client relationships while also building new customers.  The territory may encompass the Southern Central Valley as well.  Experience selling packaging to wineries in the area required.

Oregon and Washington:  Located ideally in Portland, OR, this salesperson will be working with winery customers in Oregon and Washington.  Both existing and new customer relationship management.  Must have existing relationships in the OR and WA wine industry.  An understanding of glass and related packaging required.

SF Bay Area:  This salesperson will be calling on existing and new spirits producers in the SF Bay Area.  Experience selling to the spirits industry is required.  Glass and packaging technical understanding is desirable.  Sales experience in packaging or related products in the distilled spirits industry is ideal.

These positions require a background in sales and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Valid driver's license required.

Great salary plus commissions.  Car allowance, cell phone and laptop will be provided.

Interested in this position:  please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.

Know someone who might be interested.  Refer them along to WineTalent.  www.winetalent.net  We happily pay referral bonuses for any referral that is hired through WineTalent.  All communications will be kept in strict confidence.

WineTalent Classifieds: Winery Maintenance Supervisor in Clarksburg, CA

WineTalent is working with Bogle Vineyards in Clarksburg on a Maintenance Supervisor position.  This role will service all of the facility and equipment needs for the crush pad, wine storage, barrel program, cellar and related production departments.  Supervision of maintenance staff is also a large part of this role.  The ideal Maintenance Supervisor will be able to perform mechanic duties as needed, while also managing the mechanic team.

Responsibilities:

• Supervision of maintenance staff to company specifications.
• Handles quality control, scheduling, safety and staff development.
• Create and distribute work orders and ensure tasks are performed to company standards.
• Complete work orders with part and materials tracking.  
• Coordinate purchase orders and maintain appropriate part and material supplies for needs of the facility.  
• Work with vendors and suppliers on parts and materials inventory.
• Ensure maintenance tasks are done with a preventative maintenance approach when possible.
• Assist management with capital projects as needed.
• Work in accordance with OSHA standards, creating a safe work environment for all employees, contractors and vendors.
• Repair and maintain all production equipment, machinery, tools, storage and systems.
• Preventative maintenance will be performed on all production equipment, HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, waste water handling equipment and plumbing systems.
• Maintain facility including buildings, grounds, process wastewater systems and drainage systems.

Qualifications:

• Proven understanding of winery facilities and production environment.
• Associates degree preferred.  HS Diploma or GED required.
• Foreman level knowledge in electrical, plumbing, winery equipment, stainless and aluminum fabrication and welding.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• PLC experience preferred.  
• Valid driver's license and must be able to be insured under company's auto policy.

Interested in Applying?  Please send your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  

Know someone who would be great for this job?  Tell WineTalent at amy@winetalent.net.  Referral bonuses gladly paid when someone referred is hired through WineTalent.

WineTalent Classifieds: Event Manager with the Napa Valley Grapegrowers

WineTalent is working with our client, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, on an Event Manager role.   The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in event planning, working efficiently with a team environment, exemplary organizational skills, an attention to detail, and an aptitude for learning quickly.

The Event Manager will be responsible for the following events:

Annual Membership Events:

• Annual Membership Meeting
• Manage, plan and execute the Annual Membership Meeting
• Work with the Member Relations Manager and Executive Director to coordinate event logistics: AV needs, food & beverage, invitation, venue, etc
• Annual Dinner
• Responsible for the management and coordination of all event aspects of the Annual Dinner
• Event logistics: create event timelines and schedules, manage all vendors, coordinate set up and breakdown, point of contact for event venue, etc.
• Manage all d�cor, event rentals, AV/lighting, logistics, site, activities, caterers, and other vendors
• Manage all wine donations, pickup/delivery schedules, and pouring
• Assist with sponsorship outreach and management
• Work with Member Relations Manager and Executive Director on the logistics of the stage program and Grower of the Year video
• Manage all follow up details � thank you letters, invoicing, membership communications, etc.
• Other membership events that arise
• Manage the annual membership event budgets and report regularly to the NVG Associate Director

 Harvest STOMP

• Responsible for the management, coordination and execution of the Harvest STOMP annual fundraiser
• Work with STOMP Committee Chairs and Steering Committee to create overall design and vision for event
• Manage all d�cor, event rentals, AV/lighting, logistics, site, activities, and vendors
• Manage all pre-event, day-of event and post-event details, staff, and logistics teams
• Manage all caterers and coordinate all aspects of food service throughout the event
• Manage the coordination of the band and entertainment requirements
• Manage the event budget, reporting regularly to the NVG Associate Director
• Assist with developing and executing sponsor recognition plan
• Assist with the creation and development of Auction Lots and Lucky Lots
• Work with STOMP Committee in the creation of the attendee take-a-way gift bags
• Oversee the procurement and coordination of all wine donations

�      Efficiently prepare for and coordinate STOMP Steering Committee meetings and various sub-committee meeting schedules

�      Prepare meeting minutes for the STOMP Steering Committee and sub-committee meetings

• Manage all follow up post-event:  thank you packets, auction lot follow up, vendor communication, invoicing, budget, committee wrap up, etc.

 ROOTSTOCK

• Solicit and manage all exhibitor outreach and logistics
• Assist with the setup of the online exhibitor and event registration platform
• Manage all aspects of exhibitor placement, booth assignments, contracts, nametags, etc.
• Exhibitor point of contact for the entire event
• Assist with the coordination and execution of sponsor benefits
• Responsible for managing and executing all aspects of the pre-event seminar and welcome reception
• Assist NVG Program Manager with all event rentals, vendor coordination, and overall event logistics
• Work with NVG Program Manager and FWF Program Manager on event staffing needs
• Coordinate the food & beverage needs for the event
• Attend and participate in all ROOTSTOCK Steering Committee meetings

 Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation

• Annual Pruning Contest
• Responsible for all aspects of management, coordination and execution of the Annual Pruning Contest
• Manage sponsor solicitation and outreach
• Event logistics: create event timelines and schedules, manage all vendors, coordinate set up and breakdown, point of contact for event venue, etc.
• Manage all d�cor, event rentals, AV, logistics, site, activities, caterers, community organization participants, and other vendors
• Work with Steering Committee to secure all contestant prizes
• Manage Pruning Contest budget, reporting regularly to NVG Associate Director
• Manage all post event wrap up and follow up
• Annual Donor Recognition & Farmworker Appreciation Luncheon
• Manage all event coordination and logistics details of the annual appreciation luncheon
• Secure event venue and oversee all event logistics � catering, AV, donor gifts, wine donation, etc.
• Manage the event budget
• Manage all post-event follow up
• D�a de la Familia
• Assist the FWF Program Manager in planning and executing the event
• Coordinate D�a de la Familia Steering Committee meetings and prepare meeting minutes
• Assist the FWF Program Manager with vendor logistics � catering, event rentals, audio visual, set up, breakdown, d�cor, catering/event staff, etc.
• Coordinate all kids activities
• Assist FWF Program Manager with all event wrap up

 Miscellaneous support for NVG seminars & events

Qualifications:   

• �      Exceptional organization skills
• �      Excellent writing and communication skills
• �      High level of accuracy
• �      Self-starter & ability to self-manage
• �      Ability to create, maintain, and report budgets
• �      Proficiency in Excel, Word, and database management
• �      Demonstrated success working with a planning team
• �      Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors
• �      Highly motivated work ethic
• �      Creativity in designing pleasing d�cor for events
• �      2+ years� experience in the event and/or hospitality industry
• �      Experience with luxury brands a plus
• �      Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• �      Clean driving record with the California DMV
• �      Aptitude to learn new things & interest in learning the way NVG does things

Interested in applying:  Please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  All communications are strictly confidential.