General Manager- Lingua Franca Wines

Job Description

Position Summary

The General Manager, Lingua Franca, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of grape supply, wine production, operational management, and brand leadership for Lingua Franca. This role leads the Winemaking, Operations, and Vineyard teams to achieve strategic and annual objectives, deliver exceptional wines, and maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. The GM also serves as the brand ambassador, representing Lingua Franca in key markets and industry events.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operations

• Oversee and direct all winery and vineyard operations, ensuring alignment with Lingua Franca's strategic plans, annual goals, and quality standards.
• Develop and manage operational and capital budgets, monitor performance, and implement effective cost controls.
• Optimize production processes to achieve lowest cost, highest quality, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Preserve and protect winery assets, including facilities, equipment, and inventory.

• Lead the winemaking team in producing wines that reflect Lingua Franca's style, varietal integrity, and regional characteristics.
• Guide all phases of production, from grape harvest through fermentation, barreling, aging, and bottling.
• Collaborate with winemaking leadership on sensory evaluation, blending, and quality assurance.
• Oversee vineyard management to ensure grape quality and supply meets production needs.
• Evaluate and implement innovative technologies and analysis tools (e.g., Wine X-ray analytics) to support winemaking decisions.

• Recruit, select, train, and supervise winery, vineyard, and operations staff; foster a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear direction, mentorship, and feedback to build a proactive, service-oriented team.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and safety policies.

• Serve as Lingua Franca's ambassador at industry events, winemaker dinners, trade organizations, and key market activations.
• Collaborate with Brand Marketing and Sales to develop and execute marketing strategies, support inventory management, and drive sales.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including vendors, third-party producers, and distributors.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives in production, quality, and customer service.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and brand value.

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Food Science, Fermentation Science, Viticulture, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in cellar operations and winemaking, with 5+ years in management roles within the wine or beverage industry.
• Demonstrated leadership in winery, vineyard, and multi-site operations.
• Strong technical orientation; experience with winemaking analytics and technology tools.
• Excellent financial acumen, project management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and foster collaboration.
• Experience representing brands in market and at industry events.
• Ability to work in varied physical conditions (lifting, exposure to climate and production environments).
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.

• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Willingness to work in production environments with variable temperatures and conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, and perform manual tasks as required by winery and vineyard operations.