Thomas Wilkinson Email & Phone Number

Kent, Uk

Currently managing a 500 acre site including 75 acres of existing vineyard, 155 acres of vineyard planted this year and planning for an additional 155 acres scheduled for planting in 2020. Previously managed nearly 80 acres of vineyard split between two sites consisting of a variety of new and established plantings. Supervisory responsibilities include managing a small team of permanent employees and a diverse range of contractors. I have also assisted in the production of Chapel Down wines by assisting in the winery during the 2017 and 2018 harvests.

Leeds, United Kingdom

My initial 3 month contract with the SVP involved assessing the viability of a white goods repair and maintenance department. Managing 3 full time engineers I implemented efficiency and data recording processes to improve the recording of information and reliability of a range of large domestic appliances. Ensuring compliance with environment agency and WEEE reporting regulations the processes resulted in a robust system of repair and maintenance with an accurate audit trail for all products as well as promoting accountability for work undertaken.Following this period I took on overall responsibility for managing a warehouse supplying numerous shops and collecting donations. Managing a team of 6 permanent and 3 casual staff and a team of over 15 volunteers. Improving efficiency, process and human resource capability using regular performance management the role also required responsibility for a wide range of general management functions including health and safety, inductions, staff welfare, accurate reporting of hours worked, sickness, absence and management of any disciplinary issues which arose.The role also required a variety of skills including maintaining and building relationships with 3rd party groups including IKEA, Dixon-Carphone Group, DHL envirosolution and the FRN to maximise opportunities for reuse and supply in the charitable sector accurate and timely reporting of data for compliance with environment agency WEEE reporting, working with the probation service to provide opportunities for community payback and enhancing and developing skills for the long-term unemployed.

Assignan, France

In addition to being the assistant winemaker and viticulturist I also had responsibility for managing the inventory of wines in order to ensure adequate availability of products for sale directly from the winery and to ensure suitable stocks were available for the winery's own restaurant and bar a vin. This involved liaising with the export manager and external storage facility to ensure all product was legally labelled for the local market and wines were always available to meet expected and unexpected demand. My experience of production and sales also required me to assist the export manager at wine trade fairs both in France and internationally providing technical knowledge and promoting the winery to a number of clients and interested parties from many different countries. Furthermore, in line with the ambitions of the owners to develop the winery and local area as a wine tourist destination I took on responsibility for developing a wine school and tasting facility to encourage tourism and improve sales resulting in enhanced customer visits and promotion of the Castingno brand as an oenotourism destination. The vineyard and winery work also allowed me to develop my expertise using a wide range of viticultural and winemaking techniques principally focused on organic production methods, management of seasonal workers, mechanical engineering and time management and efficiency in a high quality production environment.

Villespassans, France

Working at a small 9ha Domaine for an interim period prior to a large proportion of the Domaine's vineyard being incorporated into a neighbouring property my primary responsibility was to assist the owner's to deliver wine to specification for sale to an international client as well as ensuring the vineyards were maintained in a suitable condition prior to their change of ownership. The role required me to liaise with the owners and an international consultant to ensure the product was delivered to specification and on time. Additional roles including managing on-site tasting sessions and sales to pre-agreed customers as well as general maintenance and repair throughout the winery and vineyard.

Trouillas, France

Throughout my period of studying winemaking I regularly assisted at Domain Treloar in a variety of functions. The small, family owned property focused on the production of high quality wine and I benefitted greatly from directly working alongside the owner / winemaker to enhance my knowledge of production techniques. Furthermore, the position also allowed me to experience a wide range of duties associated with running a small business from small marketing initiatives, sales and tastings, dealing with international buyers and importers and the wide diversity of tasks involved when managing a small, family run business.

Blenhiem, New Zealand

After completing my viticulture and oenology studies I took the opportunity to work at a large production facility in New Zealand gaining extensive experience of working as part of a large team processing large volumes of fruit producing over 10 million bottles of wine a year. Harvest positions in large facilities allow for the development and knowledge of using a number of pieces of equipment and processes not normally used in small production facilities. Working as part of a large team I recognised the value of scheduling, communication, health and safety and a structured environment.

Various

From graduate trainee to senior manager I contributed to the growth of the business by ensuring all aspects of the warehouse operation were conducted in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Training in both the product and the retail operation of the organisation was exemplary with many opportunities to develop. Of particular interest was the entrepreneurial spirit accorded to managers in relation to how the store was set up and certain aspects of the day to day operations including the retention and development of a large customer base and exemplary standards of customer service.Achieving defined sales targets consistently throughout my time as a manager was a major achievement along with the training and motivation of numerous people who worked with me to develop and achieve their goals of becoming assistant managers and managers within the business.

Bachelor Of Science (B.Sc.), Viticulture And Enology

Diploma, Wine And Spirits

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Arabic And Middle Eastern Studies

A + As Levels, Chemistry, History, General Studies, French, Physics

Bachelor'S Degree, Arabic And Middle Eastern Studies