Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Manager

The Quality Control Manager will oversee the quality assurance process for the winery, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of taste, consistency, and production quality. This individual will be responsible for implementing and managing quality control procedures, performing routine testing, and working closely with the winemaking and production teams to address any issues. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of winemaking processes, quality control standards, and excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement quality control procedures for all stages of production, from grape harvest through to bottling, ensuring that every wine meets the winery’s high standards.
• Oversee daily quality control checks, including wine analysis (e.g., pH, TA, alcohol, sulfur levels) and sensory evaluations, to ensure consistency and quality throughout production.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to assess wine quality and provide recommendations for adjustments, including blending, filtration, and stabilization.
• Conduct regular tastings and sensory evaluations to assess the flavor, aroma, color, and mouthfeel of wines at different stages of production.
• Ensure proper documentation of all quality control tests and evaluations, maintaining accurate records and compliance with industry regulations.
• Develop and maintain a structured quality control testing schedule, coordinating with production and laboratory staff to ensure testing is completed on time.
• Monitor production lines and bottling processes to ensure compliance with all quality standards and health and safety regulations.
• Identify potential issues with raw materials (grapes, additives, etc.) and final products, working proactively to prevent defects or inconsistencies.
• Work with the production and vineyard teams to implement corrective actions for any quality issues or production inconsistencies.
• Train staff on quality control procedures and best practices to ensure consistency and high-quality standards are maintained across all operations.
• Stay up-to-date with industry standards, trends, and regulations in winemaking and quality control to ensure compliance and innovation in the quality control process.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure that product labeling and packaging reflect the winery's commitment to quality.
• Monitor product shelf life, ensuring wines maintain their quality and integrity over time and providing feedback to production on aging parameters.
• Conduct audits of the quality control system and participate in internal and external audits as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the ongoing quality and consistency of winery products.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Enology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent experience in quality control or winemaking.
• 3+ years of experience in a quality control role, preferably within the wine industry or a related field.
• Strong understanding of winemaking processes, laboratory techniques, and quality control procedures.
• Experience with sensory evaluation, wine analysis, and testing equipment (e.g., pH meters, alcohol refractometers, sulfur analyzers).
• Excellent attention to detail with a high standard of accuracy and precision.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and address quality issues efficiently.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams and provide clear feedback.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and certifications related to quality control, including food safety standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform tasks in a winery or production environment.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings, especially during harvest or peak production periods.

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