Job Description
Our client is a revolutionary beverage process technology company delivering cutting-edge processing solutions to producers across the drinks industry that improve taste, aroma and mouthfeel. They are seeking a driven and entrepreneurial Sales Director to take ownership of their sales efforts in the wine industry. This person must have a deep passion for wine – perhaps a certified Sommelier – and be genuinely excited to share the company’s mission and product with major players in the winemaking world.
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-growth company, and comes with the opportunity to build relationships, shape go-to-market strategy, and directly influence the company's trajectory in the wine industry.
This is a remote role with a strong preference for candidates to be based in Northern California Wine Country.
Responsibilities
- Own and drive all sales activity within the wine industry, targeting vineyards, wineries, négociants, custom crush facilities, and bulk wine producers across key growing regions
- Build deep, trust-based relationships with winemakers, production managers, procurement leads, and ownership groups, understanding their cost and quality challenges and positioning the company's technology as the solution
- Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities across the full wine production ecosystem, from small artisan producers to large-scale commercial operations
- Develop and execute a regional and national sales strategy in close partnership with company leadership, with a focus on sustainable pipeline growth and repeatable deal velocity
- Serve as the primary voice of the wine customer internally — relaying market feedback, influencing product positioning, and helping shape how the company's solutions are adapted for wine-specific applications
- Represent the company at wine industry trade shows, associations, and regional events (e.g., Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, Wine Industry Network conferences) to build brand presence and generate leads
- Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting, CRM hygiene, and sales reporting to support leadership decision-making
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, marketing and customer success teams to ensure seamless implementation and long-term client satisfaction
Qualifications
- 7–10+ years of experience in or closely adjacent to the wine industry, with a strong preference for candidates who have sold machinery, processing equipment, filtration systems, tanks, or other capital or technical equipment to wineries or wine producers
- Sommelier or other wine certification is a plus; a discerning and sophisticated palate, and a deep knowledge of and passion for wine is required
- Deep familiarity with winery operations and the wine production process — from crush and fermentation through clarification, aging, blending, and bottling
- Proven track record of success in B2B sales, account management, and new business development, ideally with complex or consultative sales cycles
- Existing relationships within the wine industry are a significant advantage — a warm rolodex of winery contacts, production leads, or procurement decision-makers will accelerate success in this role
- Bonus points for hands-on winemaking experience or formal viticulture/enology training, which would lend credibility and depth when engaging technical buyers
- Familiarity with wine-specific processing considerations such as must handling, SO2 management, tartrate stabilization, or membrane filtration is a plus
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical product capabilities into clear business value for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Self-starter mentality with the ability to operate independently in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment
Compensation Targeting a base in the low $100s with all-in compensation (including commissions and equity) north of $200k
