JOB SUMMARY

The Cellar Foreman is a frontline leadership role responsible for the daily supervision, coordination, and execution of cellar operations. This position ensures that all production activities—including fermentation, cellar processing, sanitation, and material handling—are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with winemaking standards, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.

The Foreman assigns and prioritizes work, monitors progress, ensures accuracy of documentation, and actively participates in production tasks. This role also plays a critical part in developing team members, maintaining a strong safety culture, and supporting continuous improvement across operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assign, prioritize, and supervise daily production activities to meet operational targets.
• Coordinate cellar, fermentation, crush, sanitation, and barrel operations.
• Perform hands-on tasks and maintain active presence on production floor.
• Monitor quality and ensure adherence to winemaking standards and SOPs.
• Lead cellar sanitation program initiatives including master sanitation, equipment and tank sanitation and facility hygiene.
• Ensure accurate logs, reports, and work orders are maintained.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and escalate risks appropriately.
• Recommend improvements to processes, materials, and equipment.
• Support production flow with winemaking and other departments.
• Assist with scheduling and overtime coverage.
• Enforce compliance with safety programs, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead safety meetings, stretching programs, and ongoing safety communication.
• Identify hazards and support corrective actions.
• Ensure proper PPE usage and safe handling of equipment and chemicals.
• Participate in incident investigations and reporting.
• Monitor performance and provide feedback for evaluations.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and positive work culture.
• Lead by example with professionalism and adherence to company values.
• Recognize achievements and apply coaching and discipline as needed.
• Supervise, train, and mentor employees on SOPs, safety procedures, and standards.
• Identify skill gaps, support employee development, onboarding and training programs.
• Monitor inventory, recommend supply purchases, ensure proper storage and documentation of materials.
• Work closely with winemaking, maintenance, lab, and other departments.
• Communicate production priorities and issues effectively.
• Support cross-functional improvements and alignment.
• Communicate and interact positively, professionally, and effectively with all personnel, vendors, contractors, co-workers, and management.
• Must possess the ability to analyze and resolve day-to-day work problems and to recognize and inform management of potential problems. Take initiatives to recommend supervisor/management process, materials and/or operational improvements that reduce cost, waste and/or improve quality.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Must have ability to learn and effectively train others in all work processes in accordance to SOP and Safety Programs and hold others accountable, as necessary.
• May function as Weigh Master (if necessary).
• This job description reflects management’s assignment of general functions; it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 21 years or older at time of hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2–5+ years of winery or production experience.
• Strong knowledge of cellar operations and equipment.
• Leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work independently.
• Basic computer and data entry skills.
• Preferred: supervisory experience, equipment expertise, certifications.
• Possess the ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure.
• Must have well-developed attention to detail.
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and display integrity, character, and strong leadership skills
• Possess the ability to learn and develop computer skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook & Excel.
• Must have demonstrated above average work performance and ability and possess an excellent attendance and safety record.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to lift and carry weights of up to 55lbs at varying frequency and duration.
• Must be able to repeatedly climb stairs/vertical tank ladders at heights of 60’ and higher,
• Must be able to enter and work in a confined space.
• Work with hazardous chemicals and wear a face mask and appropriate PPE.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, and pushing.
• Position will be exposed to indoor and outdoor environments with varying noise levels.
• Exposed to inclement seasonal weather, summer heat, cold weather, rain.

COMPENSATION

• Hourly Pay Range Posted: $28.85 - $43.27/hr.
• Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities, education, and other position-related factors.

At The Wine Group, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law.

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NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider, or agree to, payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.