Winery Quality Controller
A Winery Quality Controller oversees the production process to ensure the quality of wine, by testing samples for taste, color, and chemical characteristics, and ensures compliance with regulations.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Winery Quality Controller
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Junior Winery Quality Controller, you will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the quality of products throughout the winemaking process. This role involves conducting tests, documenting results, and ensuring that every bottle meets the winery's high standards of excellence.
Required Skills
- Analytical skills to assess wine quality and composition.
- Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and conducting tests.
- Effective communication skills for reporting data and working with a team.
- Problem-solving skills to address quality issues.
- Time management skills to efficiently balance multiple tasks.
- Basic computer skills for data entry and analysis.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Oenology, Viticulture, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Familiarity with quality control methods and laboratory safety.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work with precision.
- Basic understanding of the winemaking process and wine varietals.
- Ability to work in various environmental conditions such as cold, heat, and around loud noise.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.
Responsibilities
- Conduct routine testing of wine samples for analysis of sugar, acid, and alcohol levels.
- Document and report findings in quality control logs.
- Maintain a clean and organized lab environment.
- Assist in developing and implementing quality control procedures.
- Work closely with the winemaking team to identify and correct potential quality issues.
- Participate in wine tastings to ensure consistent flavor profiles and quality.
- Monitor and enforce sanitation practices in the winery to prevent contamination.
- Help manage inventory of lab supplies and reagents.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Winery Quality Controller, you will be responsible for ensuring that all wine products meet established standards of quality, including safety, sanitation and cleanliness, taste, and appearance. You will work closely with the winemaking team to monitor each stage of the production process, from grape selection to bottling, and implement quality control measures to maintain the integrity of the product.
Required Skills
- Quality control and assurance
- Analytical and laboratory skills
- Sensory evaluation techniques
- Data analysis and reporting
- Strong understanding of winemaking science
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Excellent organizational skills
- Communication and teamwork
- Knowledge of safety and sanitation protocols
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Enology, Viticulture, Food Science, or related field
- 2-5 years of experience in a quality control role within the wine industry
- Working knowledge of winemaking processes and techniques
- Familiarity with industry regulations and certifications
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Aptitude for meticulous record keeping and attention to detail
- Proficiency in quality control software and database management
- Ability to work in various conditions, including wet and cold environments
- Experience with sensory evaluation of wines
Responsibilities
- Conducting regular testing and analysis of wine samples throughout the production process
- Ensuring that all quality standards, regulations, and certifications are met
- Working with the winemaking team to troubleshoot and resolve any quality issues
- Maintaining accurate and detailed records of quality control measures and results
- Collaborating with production staff to enforce sanitation and safety standards in the winery
- Assisting in the development of quality control protocols and standards
- Training winery staff on quality control procedures
- Conducting sensory evaluations of wine products
- Coordinating with supply chain to ensure quality of raw materials
- Communicating with management about quality control matters
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a Senior Winery Quality Controller to oversee the day-to-day operations of quality control within our winery. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of enology and viticulture, with extensive experience in quality control within the wine industry. This role requires a meticulously organized individual with an exceptional palate and a passion for wine.
Required Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Advanced sensory evaluation skills.
- Proficiency with quality control software and laboratory equipment.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Enology, Viticulture, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality control within the wine industry.
- Strong knowledge of the wine production process and wine chemistry.
- Advanced understanding of laboratory testing and analytical techniques.
- Certification in quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) is an advantage.
- Experience with sensory analysis and wine tasting.
- Proven track record of improving product quality and consistency.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement quality control protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Oversee laboratory analysis of wine samples at all stages of production.
- Work closely with the winemaking team to ensure quality standards are met or exceeded.
- Conduct sensory evaluations and lead tasting panels to assess wine quality and consistency.
- Manage the quality control lab, including equipment maintenance and the training of laboratory personnel.
- Collaborate with the winery management to make decisions about wine blending, adjustments, and aging.
- Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations and certification requirements.
- Report directly to the winery's senior management with regular updates on quality control matters.
- Investigate and resolve any quality control issues that arise.
- Stay informed on the latest trends in winemaking technology and quality control techniques.
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