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Form of workVasse Felix is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced cellar operator who is keen to lead the cellar team as our Cellar Supervisor. This will be a full time, salaried position based at the Vasse Felix Winery in Margaret River.
Established in 1967, Vasse Felix is Margaret River’s founding wine Estate, custodians of the region’s first Cabernet Sauvignon plantings. Our home Estate in the heart of Wilyabrup is the focus of our vineyard resources, however, we also draw upon several unique and climatically distinct sites across the region. With a production focus on the regional strengths of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, we also continue to explore unique expressions of Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. Our modern production facility processes up to 2000 tonnes from our Estate vineyards with a minimalist winemaking philosophy.
Reporting to the Senior Winemaker, the Cellar Supervisor plays an essential role in contributing to a safe and efficient work environment for the winery team. The Cellar Supervisor leads the cellar team in a hands-on capacity, ensuring winemaking plans are executed in a timely manner and to the highest quality standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities include;
• Assisting Winemakers to ensure all employees are adequately trained and adhere to approved cellar procedures with a strong emphasis on health and safety.
• Lead the cellar team in daily operations with a focus on positive and inclusive team culture.
• Provide guidance and leadership in achieving and preserving the highest wine quality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Act as the main conduit communicating regularly and effectively with Winemakers and the cellar team executing the agreed production plan in the most efficient manner.
• Assist in hiring, training, and providing ongoing instruction in the use of equipment (e.g. Presses, X-flow filter, RDV, barrel filling, juice float) for permanent and seasonal cellar workers.
• Assist with winery maintenance scheduling under the direction of the Winemaking team.
Required Skills
• Minimum five (5) years experience in a winery operator or supervisor role – experience in a 500+ ton winery highly regarded.
• A passion for high quality, sustainable wine production.
• Experience operating and maintaining equipment such as X-flow filter, air bag and basket presses, crushing equipment, RDV filter, barrel cleaners and barrel filling equipment.
• A strong understanding of wine quality control issues and winery sanitation.
• Understanding of basic winery laboratory techniques highly regarded.
• Competent computer skills – Vintrace knowledge a bonus.
• Current Australian Driver’s License.
• Current Australian Forklift license and a high degree of forklift proficiency.
• Experience leading a team.
• Permanent Australian residency or an equivalent unrestricted working visa is required for this position.
• Work can be physical in nature, so a good degree of physical fitness and health is required.
• You should be prepared to work up to 12 hour shifts during vintage including night shifts and weekend work.
Please submit your resume with a brief cover letter outlining your current circumstances.
