Assistant Winemaker
Plumpton College is a leading provider of land and environmental education in the UK, situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park. We offer a wide range of vocational and academic courses for students of all ages studying from Level 1 to Masters degree and across nineteen subject areas including agriculture, animal management, veterinary sciences, horticulture, equine studies, wine, and environmental studies.
About the role
This is a unique opportunity to join Plumpton College’s award-winning Wine Department as an Assistant Winemaker and play a key role in our continued growth and development. Working under the direction of the Head Winemaker, you will take day-to-day responsibility for winemaking operations and help maintain the excellent reputation of Plumpton Estate Wines.
This role offers unrivalled hands-on experience in a pioneering college winery, supporting both commercial production and industry-leading education and training in English wine.
You will:
support the day-to-day winemaking operations at Plumpton College, including grape processing, fermentation monitoring, stabilisation, filtration, bottling, tirage, disgorging and labelling
maintain high standards of winery cleanliness, stock control, record keeping and compliance, including use of winery software, quality records, COSHH, SALSA and health and safety documentation
support and help supervise winery bank staff and students, and assist with practical teaching in the winery alongside lecturing staff
monitor equipment, maintenance schedules and safe use of machinery, ensuring servicing, repairs and training are carried out appropriately
contribute to stock-taking, ordering, sustainable practice, harvest operations and the ongoing development of an innovative and high-performing winery
About you
You will bring:
commercial winery experience and either tertiary qualifications in oenology or relevant industry experience
strong practical winemaking knowledge and the ability to operate winery equipment confidently and safely
good digital skills and the ability to maintain accurate production, stock, maintenance and compliance records
a collaborative and flexible approach, with the ability to support students, direct staff and work effectively in a fast-growing department
You’ll benefit from:
We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days. The role is eligible for the Local Government Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high-quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment.
New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported four-month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in-house Level 5 trained coaches.
Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle-to-work scheme, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.
We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.