Great Brands – Bigger Purpose
The United States’ largest Regenerative Organic Certified® winery, Bonterra Organic Estates is an award-winning purveyor of multi-origin wines, selling in over 50 countries worldwide. Founded by Barney Fetzer in Mendocino County, CA, in 1968 as Fetzer Vineyards, and today part of global powerhouse Viña Concha y Toro, Bonterra Organic Estates focuses on crafting wines made from sustainable and Regenerative Organic Certified® grapes.
As a B Corp recognized as “Outstanding” by the nonprofit B Lab, Bonterra Organic Estates is dedicated to transparent and responsible business practices. The winery holds additional certifications, including Regenerative Organic Certified®, TRUE Zero Waste, and is a California Certified Organic Farmer (CCOF). At our Mendocino County operating facility in Hopland, California, we produce our namesake Bonterra brand portfolio; flagship Fetzer label; Sanctuary Wines and 1000 Stories, the original Bourbon barrel-aged wine.
As Sustainability Manager, you will contribute to our endeavors to build a better tomorrow through regenerative organic practices, leaving the earth better than we found it. At Bonterra Organic Estates, we see the wine industry as our vehicle to make far-reaching and impactful changes to the planet, society and industry. In this visible role, you will lead the development, tracking and reporting of progress on sustainability strategy and goals, including measurement against sustainability and regenerative initiatives; investigate and recommend initiatives and innovations to meet sustainability goals to further position Bonterra Organic Estates as a leader in the wine industry; partner with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers/growers in the supply chain to continually improve the Company’s social, economic and environmental initiatives. If you are looking to drive your ideas in a company that embraces impact and sustainability-related improvements, then we want to hear from you.
Location
This Hopland-based role requires a minimum of 3-4 days per week at our winery facility and surrounding Mendocino County vineyard sites. The option to work hybrid 1-2 days each week may be discussed. The ideal candidate will reside in the North Bay (Greater San Francisco Bay Area) in order to frequent our Bonterra estate ranches and winemaking operation to elevate our impact efforts and inspire others with our belief in the earth, people and planet and how we can make an impact.
Responsibilities
Sustainability, Compliance and Continuous Improvement (80% of the time)
- Identify research, prioritize, develop and track cutting edge sustainability innovations, initiatives and projects, and develop and evaluate the financial viability of these projects. Evaluation and recommendation must include an ROI analysis for utility/maintenance saves, property value enhancements (if appropriate), and environmental and social impacts.
- Develop and improve existing strategic plans and supporting initiatives aligned with the Company’s sustainability goals and objectives including water reduction, green cleaning, recycling and waste reduction, social/human resources initiatives, etc.
- Establish and analyze metrics, benchmarks and goals to measure the success of Bonterra Organic Estates’ overall sustainability program, including but not limited to: waste-to-landfill, recycling and income generated; campus and vineyard fuel (gas, diesel, biodiesel, red diesel, propane); all energy and GHG (PG&E, 3Phase solar, etc.); vineyard and natural resource practices; and social responsibility aspects.
- Establish and continue developing partnerships with strategic organizations (or stakeholders) such as B Corp, Climate Transition Plan, TRUE Zero Waste, IWCA, Porto Protocol, SBTi, scientists, and government agencies, to support and gain information about sustainable practices and policy issues; and represent Bonterra Organic Estates in these contexts, as appropriate.
- Write sustainability policies, standards and guidelines and contribute to developing a comprehensive Sustainability Development Report, including key messaging, employee interviews, stakeholder commentary, data review, design and photography.
- Maintain and update a centralized database on Bonterra Organic Estates’ initiatives related to sustainability accomplishments, changes and performance indicators.
- Work closely with the Leadership Team to continue to develop company-wide sustainable packaging, growing, and waste reduction strategies that provide a clear view of regulatory risks, cost reductions and opportunities for growth.
- Embrace and promote sustainability and lead engagement activities through tools, education and training of employees, distributors, growers, neighbors, consumers and government entities to increase awareness of our sustainability initiatives.
- Explore, recommend and maintain certification initiatives supporting our brands, packaging, website development and external stakeholder engagement.
- Contribute to brand strategy and marketing innovation discussions related to organic/sustainable messages. Track and help respond to buyers/market demands for sustainable and organic standards and practices for our products.
- Develop presentations and speak at approved conferences and seminars on organic and sustainable farming techniques.
- Support Bonterra Organic Estates’ sustainability iniatives, providing training and guidance to develop effective internal relationships and participation in environmental and sustainable requirements and innovations.
- Prepare sustainability award applications for Bonterra Organic Estates (from external parties).
Sustainable Development - Supply Chain Engagement (20 % of the time)
- Help develop programs to promote sustainable certification practices internally and for Bonterra suppliers.
- Serve as a resource for external organic growers by preparing and updating educational/informational materials on organic and sustainable practices for contracted growers and other potential suppliers.
Required Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainability Management, Environmental Science or related field, and four plus years related experience with emphasis in sustainable agriculture, consumer products manufacturing, and/or environmental sciences preferred, or equivalent combination education/experience. Master’s degree preferred
- Understanding of global sustainability initiatives
- Knowledge and experience in sustainability certification programs, protocols and evaluation programs for the wine, agriculture and manufacturing industry
- Understanding and experience with relevant metrics performance indicators and data management tools for energy, water, materials, waste, agricultural inputs, land use, and human resource issues in the field
- Knowledge of and experience with protocols and methods for Greenhouse Gas emission reporting
- Skilled in research and exploration/feasibility analysis of new technologies and innovations to include ROI analyses
- Strong skills in writing summaries and reports, proposals and ROI analyses
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 based tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet applications
- Leadership skills to organize, motivate, supervise, plan, research, document/communicate and evaluate
- Advanced oral and written communication skills
- Ability to interact effectively with all levels of internal and external contacts, employees, media, etc. Ability to research, design analyze and produce educational materials and informational packets for distribution
- Leadership and facilitation skills, including communication ability with people at all levels
- Skills in information management
- Valid Driver’s License and U.S. Passport required
- 20% travel required
Preferred Experience
- Familiarity with industry organizations and trade associations, and university programs that interact with the wine industry and understanding of certified organic practices
- Ability to encourage engagement among employees
- Experience in developing and giving presentations and outreach/communication and or marketing to the public and buyers on sustainability issues
- Knowledge of wine and the impact of organic farming on the characteristics of the wine a plus, but not required
- Prior experience leading a team, preferred
- Bilingual English/Spanish a plus, but not required
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift/carry push/pull 50 lbs. on an occasional basis; requires frequent standing, walking, reaching outward, hand/finger dexterity and working at computer for extended periods of time. Requires reaching upward, climb, crawl, squat or kneel, and bend on an occasional basis. Requires PPE such as eye and hearing protection and general footwear. Ability to walk in vineyards with steep and/or uneven terrain, mud, dust and soft soil. Additional physical requirements required as related to domestic/international travel via air and ground transportation.
About Bonterra Organic Estates
Part of the Viña Concha y Toro family of wineries since 2011, our California winery operation includes Mendocino County winery, production and approximately 830 acres of vineyard locations. The company employs nearly 230 across the United States. Bonterra Organic Estates’ corporate office is located at 12901 Old River Rd. Hopland, CA 95449. Satellite marketing and commercial office is in Downtown Healdsburg in Sonoma County.
Compensation
The target salary range for this role is a base salary of $112,000 - $140,000 plus an annual 10% bonus target that aligns with individual and company performance. Actual salaries will vary and are based on a candidate’s relevant education, qualifications, experience, skillset, competencies, internal equity, location and alignment with market data.
Benefits
First day Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability, Tax Savings (401k with company match), Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account benefits available to eligible employees. In addition, we offer employee-focused health, wellness, training and safety-related programs as well as scholarship opportunities for dependents.
Apply online https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/FET1003FETZ/JobBoard/c6d65af3-319c-4d5a-8905-6818e98b821b
Requires successful completion of criminal background, DMV check (if applicable) and drug screen. AA/EOE/M/F/D/V You will be required to submit verification of your citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of an offer of employment.
See our privacy policy online: https://www.bonterra.com/privacy-policy
Employee Rights under FMLA:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlasp.pdf
