General Manager – Winery
Location: Bordeaux, France
Reporting to: Board / Shareholders
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to lead the overall operations and growth of a winery based in Bordeaux, France.
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the winery’s business performance, including P&L, operations, sales, brand development, international expansion and team leadership. This is a senior leadership position with significant autonomy and direct exposure to the Board and shareholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for the winery’s operations, financial performance, profitability and long-term growth.
- Develop and execute the winery’s overall business strategy, covering vineyard operations, winemaking, supply chain, inventory, sales and marketing.
- Own the P&L, annual budget, cost management and business performance, driving operational efficiency and sustainable profitability.
- Lead the winery’s commercial and brand development strategy, strengthening the positioning and value of the winery and its wine portfolio.
- Develop and expand international sales channels across Europe, Asia, Greater China and North America.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality groups, key accounts and strategic partners.
- Lead and develop the local team across vineyard, winemaking, production, sales, marketing and administration.
- Work closely with winemaking and production teams to ensure consistent product quality and alignment with the winery’s positioning.
- Represent the winery externally and build relationships with local authorities, industry associations, suppliers, business partners and other key stakeholders.
- Identify new commercial opportunities, strategic partnerships and potential expansion opportunities.
- Work closely with the Board and shareholders on business strategy, investment, M&A, brand development and long-term value creation.
Requirements
- 8–15+ years of relevant experience in the wine, winery, beverage, premium consumer goods or related industries.
- Proven experience in a senior management role such as General Manager, Managing Director, Commercial Director or Country Manager.
- Strong understanding of the French wine industry, with Bordeaux experience highly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing P&L, business strategy, sales and cross-functional teams.
- Strong international commercial experience, ideally with exposure to wine export and international distribution channels.
- Established relationships with international importers, distributors or key customers would be a strong advantage.
- Experience in Greater China or broader Asian markets is highly preferred.
- Strong commercial mindset with the ability to balance brand building, operational excellence and profitability.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Fluent in English and French; Mandarin Chinese is a strong plus.
- Willingness to be based in Bordeaux, France, with international business travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with a Bordeaux winery or another leading French wine region such as Burgundy or Champagne.
- Experience in premium wine, luxury goods, beverages or high-end consumer brands.
- Experience in winery acquisition, integration, business transformation or international expansion.
- Strong network across Asia / Greater China, particularly within the wine import and distribution ecosystem.
- Previous experience reporting directly to a Board, shareholders or investors.
- Exposure to strategic investment, M&A or capital markets activities would be advantageous.