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Duckhorn Wine Company has helped set the standard for American fine wine for four decades. Founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn with the launch of Duckhorn Vineyards in 1976, the Duckhorn luxury portfolio has evolved to include Decoy, Goldeneye, Paraduxx, Migration, Canvasback, Calera and Kosta Browne. Each winery has its own dedicated winemaker and focused winegrowing program. The portfolio encompasses five distinctive visitor centers, six state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, 300+ enthusiastic employees and 870 acres of acclaimed estate vineyards from California’s Central Coast to Washington State’s Columbia Valley. Limited quantities of all wines are available direct from the winery, throughout the United States, on five continents and in over 50 countries. For more information, visit DuckhornWineCompany.com.
SUMMARY: The Waterfowl Laboratory Manager will be responsible for managing the laboratory team and processes, supporting the quality assurance objectives of Waterfowl in its mission to deliver the highest level of wine quality, safety, compliance, sustainability, efficiency, service within the Duckhorn Portfolio organization. This position will be required to produce results that are driven by a conviction for continuous improvement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Decoy Director of Production Winemaking, be responsible for the management and supervision of all lab functionalities
Develop, review and update lab SOPs and protocols for all required analysis
Review current analytical equipment inventory to identify opportunities for improvements
Recommend and manage equipment purchasing upon approval from leadership
Manage the documentation, calibration and maintenance of lab equipment for the following analysis: pH, TA, brix, G/F, VA, ML, micro plating, cell counts and viability screening, filterability testing, DO, DCO2, FSO2, TSO2 and others as needed
Ensure timely, organized analysis per SOP and upon request from internal customers
Manage the process of lab analysis entry and tracking activities into the winemaking data base with a high level of accuracy
Ensure timely and accurate communication of lab analysis to DWC brand winemakers
Maintain efficient use of lab personnel time to ensure maximum lab productivity
Collaborate with QC and Bottling departments – including start up analysis, sterility checks, micro plating, and trouble-shooting quality variances in bottling production
Cultivate a culture of pride, engagement, continuous improvement and quality communication among peers and direct reports
Cultivate a ‘customer service’ culture
Provide guidance in site development of technical and quality control guidelines
Guide lab and lab staff to comply with ISO 9001 standards
Organize sample requests and outside analysis as needed
Manage duties of samples to third-party laboratories as directed and needed, save and relay data to appropriate parties
Track data for microbiology, primary fermentation, secondary fermentations and micro oxygenation; relay information to Winemaking staff
Order lab supplies and approve to appropriate payables account
Initiate hiring process, review resumes and perform interviews for new hires and harvest interns
CTS testing, organization and implementation – take corrective action as needed if results come back out of specifications
Maintain a safe and compliant work environment
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Enology, or other chemistry related field
Minimum 5 years of management wine lab/industry experience
HACCP and FSMA experience preferable
Microsoft Navision experience preferable
Positive attitude
Creative, flexible and innovative team player
Excellent computer skills
Good written communication skills
Ability to multi-task and prioritize
Detail oriented and organized
Strong organizational, problem solving and analytical skills
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 45 lbs.
Ability to drive a car
Ability to stand for long periods at a time
Ability to pull, push, kneel, bend, reach
Ability to work split shift as necessary
Duckhorn Wine Company offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Please respond with a resume and letter of introduction.