About AVL:

Australian Vintage Ltd (AVL) is an ASX listed multi award winning Australian wine company with a strong global reach. AVL’s portfolio consists of the McGuigan, Tempus Two, Barossa Valley Wine Company and Nepenthe Brands amongst others.

At AVL we believe in making the world a smaller place through sharing good times.

Championing a fully-integrated wine business model, the breadth of AVL’s capabilities extends to vineyard management, premium winemaking, large scale winemaking, low/no alcohol winemaking, grape juice concentrate production, wine packaging, marketing and distribution.

We are proud that our Buronga Hill Winery and Merbein Packaging Facility are 100% powered by wind and solar energy. Specifically, 30% coming from solar panels on site at the Buronga Hill winery and the balance coming from offsite wind and solar parks through our partner Flow Power.

About the Role: 

We have a prime opportunity for an experienced Laboratory Manager to join our Laboratory Team at the Buronga Hill Winery.   Reporting to the Head Winemaker, this role is responsible for the daily management of the winery laboratory and for leading a team of laboratory staff (working year-round shift work as well as 24x7 during vintage) to deliver technical services and product analysis to meet winemaking, production and quality needs.

Your primary duties will include:

• Drive a culture to create a high performing, highly motivated and Engaged Laboratory.
• Manage the Day-to-Day Requirements of a fast paced, high throughput Laboratory.
• Drive the focus to be an industry leading Laboratory in accuracy, output, innovation and technologically.
• of an Industry leading, Innovative and technologically advanced Laboratory.
• Implement a Continuous Improvement Plan in the Laboratory to provide technical services that exceed Industry Standards.
• Be fully competent in all wine industry Laboratory Operations.
• Manage, maintain and implement Laboratory Resources, Work systems, Procedures and policies to ensure Optimal Performance of the Laboratory.
• Ensure the Laboratory Management System complies with all Accreditation requirements.
• Ensure all Procedures, Policies and associated documentation are kept up to date.
• Ensure all Staff are trained to complete Laboratory Analysis as required: including upskilling, training programs and maintaining relevant records.
• Manage Laboratory Equipment, ensuring it is maintained, serviced and kept in good working order.
• Manage the Laboratory Budget, purchasing of consumables and creating Capital Expenditure proposals as required.
• Rapid identification, troubleshooting, and root cause resolution of any issues arising in the laboratory to ensure minimal disruption to processes including gap analysis and education to eliminate repeat occurrences.
• Work collaboratively with Winemaking and other internal department to ensure quality standards and deadlines are met as assigned.
• Contribute to the validation and change management of a new internal Laboratory system.

We are looking for:

Formal Qualifications:   Certification in Laboratory Technology / Operations or science studies.

• Extensive experience in developing, validating, and maintaining laboratory operations to wine industry best standard.
• Operate within budget and in compliance with legislative requirements and quality standards, is essential.
• Experience in leading a service centric team to work collaboratively with open communication and in accordance with AV’s Vision and Values.

Communication skills:      We are looking for someone with strong communication skills who has the ability to build positive relationships within our business.
A team player:     We are looking for someone who thrives in a team environment where collaboration is at the forefront of day-to-day operations.
Computer literacy:    The ability to demonstrate sound computer skills is essential.   Previous experience using Winery operation platforms advantageous.
Industry knowledge:    A comprehensive understanding of the wine industry and a thorough understanding of laboratory practices and processes.

Australian Vintage Benefits:

We're proud to offer a strong benefits package that we know can make a big difference to work life and life outside of work.

Primary carer parental leave offering 26 weeks paid leave
Loyalty leave
Birthday leave
Volunteer days
Further education and study support
Mental health and wellbeing training and support
Annual product allowance
Sabbaticals and career breaks
Continuation of superannuation while on paid and unpaid parental leave