Founding Wine Brand & Sales Manager

 CALLEVA WINES

(Founding) Wine Brand & Sales Manager

Location: On site at the Calleva Winery, Silchester, Hampshire

 

The Opportunity

A rare chance to join a newly established English winery at day one.  Backed by solid investment and long-term ambition, this is not just another wine job. You’ll be the first hire dedicated to the wine side of the business, shaping everything from brand identity to how the first bottles reach customers.

This is a hands-on, start-up role for someone enthusiastic and  who wants ownership, autonomy, and the chance to build something meaningful from the ground up. You won’t inherit a playbook. You’ll write it.

 

About The Winery

• Based in Silchester, Hampshire (between Reading & Basingstoke) , this five-hectare winery is launching its first range of still and sparkling wines, produced in partnership with contract winemakers. Initial volumes will be very small, with a clear growth trajectory toward c.25,000 bottles of traditional method sparkling wine annually. Wines are made at a third-party contract site.
• The broader vision includes developing a destination site with an art gallery launching in summer/autumn 2026 – this will be managed separately but you will collaborate with the team for partnership opportunities & events – future on-site hospitality, cultural programming, and future on-site distillery.

 

The Role

• You will be responsible for bringing the brand to life and getting the first wines into the market. This is a hybrid role spanning marketing, sales, operations, and strategy.
• You’ll work independently day-to-day, while collaborating with engaged owners and their advisors who are commercially experienced but new to the drinks industry.

 

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute the winery’s brand presence from scratch.
• Set up cellar door/sales function in a stunning purpose-built building.
• Build a strong local identity in Hampshire and surrounding areas.
• Create and manage social media and digital channels and website (launching imminently)
• Plan and deliver launch activity via tastings, partnerships and events.

 

Sales & Commercial

• Design and implement the initial sales strategy (small volume of sparkling wine due for commercial release in late 2026)
• Establish direct-to-consumer channels (cellar door, online, mailing list)
• Build relationships with local trade (independent retailers, restaurants, hospitality)
• Gradually scale sales in line with production growth

 

Operations & Supply Chain

• Coordinate logistics from contract winemakers and dry goods suppliers to the winery and to customer.
• Liaise with third-party producers and suppliers.
• Oversee stock movement, fulfilment, and basic inventory management.

 

Leadership (Without a Team)

• Act as the winery’s internal expert on all things wine.
• Make informed decisions and clearly communicate them to non-industry stakeholders.
• Help shape long-term strategy alongside ownership.

 

Who This Suits

This is ideal for someone in their 2nd or 3rd role in wine who’s ready for more ownership and creative freedom. You’re probably someone who:

• Has experience across marketing, PR, events & sales in wine and premium drinks.
• Understands how to build a brand and engage a community.
• Has had exposure to sales (DTC, on-trade, or independent retail)
• Is comfortable figuring things out without a rulebook?
• Brings energy, ideas, and a bias toward action.
• Is happy working solo and being “the person” for everything wine-related?

 

What This Offers You

• The chance to build a wine brand from the ground up.
• Real ownership and influence from day one
• Backing from committed owners and their advisory team
• A role that will grow as the business scales

 

What to Expect in This Role

• This is not a big team, structured environment. You’ll be wearing multiple hats, solving problems as they arise, and building systems from scratch. If that excites you more than it intimidates you, you’ll probably thrive here.

 

Package

• £40k-£55k Base Salary Range
• Auto Enrolment Pension (NEST)
• 23 Days Holiday plus all bank holidays – any worked bank holidays will receive a day off in lieu.
• When on site you will have access to fully expensed company pool cars for all business travel & events
• Paid expenses via company card
• You will need your own car to travel to and from the winery and must hold a valid UK drivers license.

 

PROCESS:

First stage interviews and screening conducted by Vinokelly online –  including competency based questions  matching relevant experience & skills

Second stage in person at Calleva Winery with a director of Calleva and a member of the Vinokelly team.