Experienced Cellar Operator

Role overview

This permanent winery operations position is based at Matua Wines in Rapaura, Marlborough, and sits within Treasury Wine Estates. The team is looking to hire four senior cellar hands for a practical, shift-based role where you’ll take ownership of cellar activity and step into leadership during harvest and other peak periods.

The role is suited to someone who is confident working independently, can run the shift when required, and contributes to a high-performing team culture. You’ll be expected to deliver results while maintaining strong standards for safety, hygiene, quality, and production accuracy.

Key duties

• Carry out wine transfers, additions, filtration, and tank-based cellar tasks.
• Use cellar machinery on your own, including presses, pumps, and filters.
• Maintain high levels of hygiene, food safety, and product quality across all work.
• Support or lead teams through vintage and other busy production windows.
• Coach junior cellar staff and help improve team performance.
• Keep detailed records and work to production targets.

Harvest and peak-period work

• Shifts can run for 12 hours during harvest.
• Day, afternoon, and night work will be required.
• You will be expected to lead teams and take responsibility for shift outcomes during busy periods.

What the employer is looking for

This is a senior-level role, so you should be capable of working without close supervision and ready to take on leadership duties when needed. The ideal person is dependable, safe, steady under pressure, and experienced in cellar or winery operations.

Working style and leadership expectations

• Lead through your own example.
• Bring others along with you and help build team momentum.
• Be someone colleagues want on their shift.

Team values

• Work collaboratively as one team.
• Raise concerns and challenge ideas respectfully.
• Keep improving the way work is done.
• Hold yourself and others accountable.

The guiding approach is simple: deliver strong results while looking after one another.

Pay and conditions

• Pay is NZ$31.00 to NZ$32.50 per hour, depending on experience.
• A minimum of 40 hours per week is guaranteed.
• Additional hours will be required during peak periods.
• When you take on 2IC or 1IC duties during harvest and other peak operations, an extra hourly allowance applies.

Benefits

• TWE Me Day.
• Two paid volunteering days.
• Wine allocation and staff discounts.

Role details

Location: Rapaura, Marlborough.

Employment type: Permanent, full-time.

Vacancies: 4.