Cellar Manager

Role overview

The winery is looking for an experienced, practical Cellar Manager to take charge of day-to-day cellar and production activities in Hawke’s Bay. Reporting to the Chief Winemaker, you will organise work, set priorities, and keep operations moving safely, efficiently, and to a high quality standard in a busy production setting.

About the business

Poulter Group is a New Zealand family-owned business built on hands-on work, care for people, and a commitment to doing things properly. The group operates across orchard, vineyard, winery, and bottling, with a vertically integrated model focused on resilience, quality, and long-term sustainability. The wider goal is to build a strong, profitable business for the next generation.

What the role involves

In this position, you will work closely with the winemaking team to plan, prioritise, and deliver cellar activity against production schedules and winemaking requirements. You will also oversee staff, systems, compliance, and continuous improvement across winery operations.

• Lead the planning and coordination of everyday cellar and winery work so tasks are completed in line with production timing and winemaking priorities.
• Supervise, train, and support cellar employees, including working alongside the team when needed, and help with hiring fixed-term and vintage workers, induction, and rostering.
• Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets with the Chief Winemaker.
• Update, refine, and roll out SOPs with the winemaking team to support consistency and compliance.
• Manage repair and maintenance activities and act as the main contact for outside contractors.
• Oversee site compliance matters such as wastewater, waste handling, council communication, building WOF obligations, and the use of utilities including water, power, and gas.
• Maintain effective site security controls and practices.
• Keep the cellar clean and well organised, including sanitation of tanks, hoses, and equipment, to protect product quality and meet compliance standards.
• Support food safety obligations, external audits, and certification activity such as SWNZ, WSMP, and BRC, while maintaining documentation, hygiene, and traceability standards.
• Take responsibility for health and safety in cellar operations by identifying hazards, controlling risks, and ensuring safe work systems are followed.
• Look for ways to improve processes, systems, quality, efficiency, and overall operational performance, and help build a culture of proactive problem-solving.

Experience and qualifications

• Previous experience in cellar or winery operations, with knowledge of winemaking processes, equipment, and wine, beverage, or chemical handling in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Legal entitlement to work in New Zealand is required.
• A Confined Space Entry Certificate is preferred, or you must be willing to obtain one.
• A qualification in winemaking, viticulture, food technology, or a similar field would be an advantage.
• Experience using Vintrace winery management software is beneficial.
• Demonstrated team leadership and people management experience.

Skills and personal qualities

• Strong ability to plan and coordinate operational work in a winery or similar production environment.
• Good problem-solving ability.
• Solid numeracy and literacy skills.
• Practical, hands-on leadership style with a readiness to support the team and operational tasks.
• Well-developed organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to stay effective under pressure, especially during vintage periods.
• Clear communication and professional behaviour.
• Respectful, inclusive approach when working with others.

Additional information

This is a permanent full-time position based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. No salary, number of vacancies, or start date has been specified.

Application and contact

If you are interested in the role and want to join the team, you can submit an application through the employer’s application process. For more information about the role, winery, or team, contact dj@sku.co.nz or nick@poulterwines.co.nz.