Head of Viticulture and Grape Supply - Giant Steps

This is a new senior leadership role, reporting to the General Manager, that will have the opportunity to work with industry leaders and drive the next stage of expansion plans and continual vineyard improvements.

Giant Steps’ laser-like focus on quality and site expression has established an international reputation as exceptional producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with some of the best cool climate vineyards in Australia. Their iconic single vineyard range captures the uniqueness of each of their sites across the Yarra Valley and Tasmania, including Bastard Hill, Applejack, Tarraford and Sexton vineyards. Purchasing the highly-awarded business in 2020, Jackson Family Wines have invested in a new winery and vineyard sites over the last few years, with further improvement plans underway.  

Excelling with their vineyard-first approach to winemaking, Giant Steps is committed to viticultural excellence, producing high-quality fruit that is 100% handpicked.

The Head of Viticulture and Grape Supply will be responsible for all Giant Steps owned and leased vineyards, as well as managing the grape supply program and grower relations. Based at the winery in Yarra Glen, this role will be a key part of the senior management team, directing viticulture operations, including long-term strategic planning, financials, contracts, labour and safety. This is an exciting role for a great leader, who will share their passion and excitement for wine with their team and the industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee the viticultural and site operations at all vineyards keeping oversight and focus on safety, quality, and end use

• Build and nurture a positive team culture, mentoring and developing all vineyard staff

• Responsible for WH&S compliance and ensuring that all work activities are carried out safely

• Strategically plan and manage the Giant Steps Grape supply chain, including own vineyards, leased sites, and growers

• Fiscal responsibility for delivery of the grape supply to the Giant Steps business to budget

• Management of the vineyard operating expenditure and capital expenditure budgets, including all financial accountability for vineyard management

• Contract negotiations for grower and contract vineyard fruit supply

• Strategic and long-term planning for Giant Steps viticulture operations, including replanting and vineyard establishment program for all sites

• Lead program and operations for sustainability targets and regenerative viticulture

• Local and interstate logistics, planning and execution for grape and vineyard equipment movement

• Asset management and preventative maintenance program for all Giant Steps vineyard and related machinery, including shared resources between sites

• Overall management of the general upkeep and maintenance of all properties and vineyards

• Management and responsibility for contractors and labour hire

Key Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in Viticulture, Oenology or related discipline

• Highly developed leadership skills and experience managing a diverse team

• Relevant experience managing vineyard and/or winery operations

• Experience with managing stakeholder relations and contract negotiation

• Business acumen, including setting strategic and long-term plans, managing CAPEX/OPEX budgets and providing reports

• Strong technical knowledge and ability to set viticulture programs, with experience in cool climate regions

• Passionate about the wine industry, with experience as a brand advocate an advantage

• Well-developed understanding of WH&S legislation, policies and best practice

• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences

• Working knowledge of sustainable and regenerative farming practices, an advantage

• Practical experience in vineyard operations and ability to operate equipment, an advantage

• Excellent organisation, planning and problem-solving skills

• Driven, motivated and able to take the initiative

• Attention to detail in work and personal presentation

• Ability to work extended hours, when required

• Capacity for regular domestic travel

• Current driver’s licence

• Forklift and truck licence, an advantage

Must have permanent Australian work rights

To view more information about this role and to request a copy of the position description visit https://winenet.com.au/recruitment/