Job Description

Company Summary

We are the producers, creators and marketers of beer, wine and spirits brands that people love. At Constellation Brands, we are driven to push boundaries and think beyond today to deliver products and experiences that resonate now, tomorrow, and well into the future. Because of this approach, we are the fastest-growing large CPG company in the U.S. at retail, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Our premium portfolio of iconic brands like Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Kim Crawford, Robert Mondavi, Meiomi, The Prisoner, SVEDKA Vodka, High West Whiskey, and more drive industry-leading growth for us today. But we are just getting started. Our ability to stay on the forefront of consumer trends has fueled our success since our founding in 1945 and will guide us in creating the next generation of products and experiences Worth Reaching For.

Position Summary

Supervises all aspects of the daily running of the laboratory, including assignment of work duties, ordering supplies, and prioritizing tasks to optimize efficiency of the laboratory. Assures accurate and timely analysis of grapes, bulk wine inventory, bottled wine samples, and assures that results are promptly communicated to Winemaking and/or Cellars.

Responsibilities

Manages routine lab activities and personnel in the analysis and evaluation of wines through chemical, physical, and microbiological tests to achieve optimal quality and stability of finished bottled product. Ensures proper coordination, documentation and communication of all analyses required by the winemaking staff. Ensure an orderly flow of work and analysis integrity.
Performs routine lab analysis as needed.
Train, supervise and evaluate the performance of laboratory staff; develop work performance standards; schedule and assign work and develop priorities; provide technical expertise as needed or requested.
Participate in hiring of seasonal interns/temp staffing for the lab.
Maintains all lab equipment. Problem solving and trouble shooting.
Support the implementation of new lab equipment.
Liaison between the Laboratory, Winemaking and the Cellar Operations team to help facilitate work requests and develops strategies for the analytical support of winemaking.
Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment in the lab. Coordinates the maintenance of lab Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventory. Serves as chemical hygiene officer for the Winery.
Verifies that methods and analysis are consistent, and meet the specifications and protocols set out by winemaking, operations, bottling, and generally accepted industry standards.
Oversee quality control of fermentation analysis during and after harvest responsible for assisting the Winemaking team in management of wines during of the winemaking process.
Act as a contact to the various vendor technical service representatives.
Data entry: Responsible for the input and accuracy of analytical data. Input of analytical data needs to be performed on a timely basis and relevant to the needs of the winemaker(s).
Will assist in the ongoing development, and maintenance, of a winery QC program designed for: early identification of problem/concern lots, collection of analytical/micro. Information prior to wine finishing and shipping of bottle ready wines.
In addition to the training and supervisory responsibilities of the laboratory technicians, the manager will interact with Technical Director to develop growth objectives and succession planning for the departmental staff.
Oversees writing, updating, and maintaining laboratory procedures manual. Participates in the development and review of winemaking procedures.
Responsible for monthly and annual monitoring of laboratory budget, and the purchase of lab operating supplies and analytical equipment within approved budgets.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree in chemistry, microbiology, or other related science discipline
Experience in an analytical laboratory (preferably in food/beverage)
Experience in laboratory setting, 3+ years preferred
Detail oriented and quality focused
Strong Organizational skills
Strong work ethic and positive attitude
Strong communication skills
Ability to work independently as well as in teams in addition to multitasking
Experience with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing
Experience with HACCP, FSMA and GMPs
3+ years of Supervisory experience
Wine & Spirits Experience

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

-Works outdoors/indoors

-Works in warm/cold climates

-Works in high places

-Works on wet surfaces

-Is exposed to loud noise, fumes and/or toxic chemicals

-Works near moving, mechanical parts and lift truck traffic

- Must be able to move up to 55 lbs

-Primary office environment may be warehouse/distribution setting

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Travel Required: <20%

Location

Gonzales, California

Additional Locations

Soledad, California

Job Type

Full time

Job Area

Operations and Production

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).