Manager, Grower Relations (Project Management)

Job Description

Position Summary

Responsible for initiating, developing and maintaining relationships with wine grape growers in assigned territory. Accountable for the management of all the grape supply activities for designated region, including negotiation of contracts, estimating of crop size, maintenance and promotion of grape quality, and involvement in the resolution of any winery-grower conflicts. Initiate grower liaison activities in the region including grower education programs, and seminars. Coordinate harvest sampling, scheduling, and delivery of fruit from external vineyards.

Responsibilities

• Work with our growers to develop farm plans, monitor vineyards, document observations of grapevine phenology, pruning, training and cultural practices, as well as recommend and implement viticultural management practices to improve wine quality for our brands and products. Maintain accurate maps and annual vineyard plans for each grower.

• Organize and assist in procuring the appropriate wine grapes for each brand and product as needed by Constellation Brands. Negotiate grape contracts within pricing guidelines and quality parameters set by the Director of Grower Relations.  Proactively provide buying strategies and planting recommendation details for your designated region.

• Responsible for making grape pricing recommendations for differing varieties, appellations, and quality levels.

• Have a thorough understanding of grape availability and opportunities in assigned territory. Maintain database of vineyards, varietals, and tons in territory.

• Foster strong working relationships with winemaking teams through wine tasting evaluations, vineyard visits, and Grower events.

• Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and maintenance of all grower records, contracts, and statistical reporting.  Understand and utilize Grower Relations databases for contract set-up and maintenance, grape supply/cost evaluation and analysis, and harvest scheduling.

• Provide and maintain accurate and timely estimates of short and long term grape pricing, future supply, and grape market activity.

• Update and maintain accurate crop estimation of contracted vineyard blocks.

• Coordinate the grape harvesting schedules and deliveries during harvest with Growers and Wineries.  Assist in the hiring, training, and supervision of seasonal field staff.  Provide and manage the timely collection of grape maturity samples to wineries during harvest.  Liaise with winemaking team at harvest to evaluate vineyard conditions and to assess the flavor ripeness and physiological development of grower vineyards.

• In conjunction with the Grower Relations Area Director, plan annual grower functions for specific regions and/or wineries.

• Provide feedback to grower by organizing tastings and vineyard visits.

• Represent Constellation Brands in regional viticultural groups/associations as appropriate and maintain up-to-date viticultural knowledge through trade publications, seminars, and industry symposiums.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ Years of proven, grower relations or viticultural management experience. 

• A Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Agriculture, or equivalent experience.

• Thorough understanding of basic viticulture (irrigation management, grapevine pruning and training, canopy management, grapevine nutrition management, fertilization, pest and disease management) and the ability to relate and communicate this knowledge to growers.

• Solid ability to negotiate contracts and create working partnerships.

• Experience in supervising and training seasonal employees.

• Proficient in using Data Management software, Microsoft Word , Excel, Outlook, Teams, and utilization of the Internet. AgCode experience a plus.

• Basic understanding of the winemaking process and winery operations.

• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.

• Understanding of and focus on working safely.

• Must have a valid California Drivers' License and a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, and management skills.

• Passion for vineyards and wine

• Entrepreneurial spirit

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time and work on a computer for extended periods. Lifting may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Travel throughout assigned region and annual offsite in CA.

Location

Gonzales, California

Additional Locations

Job Type

Full time

Job Area

Operations and Production

The salary range for this role is:

$93,400.00 - $143,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, the prevailing minimum wage for the location, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any collective bargaining agreements, and business or organizational needs. We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and any other benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Equal Opportunity

Constellation Brands is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with Constellation Brands, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).