Wine Education Specialist/ Wine Trainer

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Job Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Wine Trainer/Wine Education Specialist to join our team at Palm Bay International. This individual will serve as the face and voice of the wine portfolio within our organization, delivering engaging, informative, and professional training sessions for internal teams, distributor partners, and key accounts. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional wine expertise, a talent for public speaking, and a proven ability to educate diverse audiences on all aspects of wine, from production to tasting.

Key Responsibilities:

Training Development and Delivery:

• Design and deliver compelling training programs on wine-related topics tailored for sales teams, hospitality staff, distributors, and key accounts.
• Conduct live and virtual presentations, tastings, and workshops to enhance product knowledge and drive sales.
• Create hands-on, interactive training experiences, including sensory analysis, comparative tastings, and storytelling around wine brands.

Wine Expertise:

• Develop deep knowledge of PBI’s wine portfolio and its positioning in the market.
• Provide insights into wine regions, winemaking processes, flavor profiles, and food pairings.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging markets, and competitor products.

Training Materials:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive educational materials, including training manuals, digital presentations, tasting grids, and brand story narratives.
• Customize materials for various audiences, from beginners to advanced wine professionals.

Advocacy and Support:

• Act as an ambassador for the brand at trade shows, industry events, and internal conferences.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and product development teams to align training programs with broader company goals.

Performance Evaluation:

• Gather feedback from training participants and measure the impact of educational programs on sales and engagement.
• Continuously refine and improve training sessions based on attendee feedback and performance metrics.
• Contributing to the achievement of the company’s commercial targets and brand objectives

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 3-5 years of experience in the wine & spirits industry: either a wine educator, sommelier or buyer, having both teaching and practical wine industry experience (e.g., working in hospitality, winery experience, sales, or winemaking), preferably having led wine programs or training initiatives before
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to simplify complex information without sacrificing accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and presentation tools like PowerPoint.
• Detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple training sessions, materials, and follow-ups, and organized.
• Ability to manage time effectively and balance in-person and virtual training schedules with travel or preparation.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, distributors) to align messaging and goals
• The ideal candidate will be located near a major airport for ease of travel.
• Domestic Travel 50%
• Foreign Language skills a plus in either Italian, French and/or Spanish

• Wine Knowledge:
• WSET Level 2 Certification (or higher) or equivalent wine education (e.g., Certified Sommelier, CWE).
• Deep understanding of global wine regions, styles, and trends.
• Presentation Skills:
• Strong public speaking abilities with a proven track record of delivering professional training or education.
• Experience with both in-person and virtual training platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom, etc).
• Teaching Experience:
• Prior experience leading training sessions, workshops, or classes in wine, hospitality, or a related field.
• Ability to adapt teaching styles for different audiences and skill levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional certifications such as WSET Diploma, Master Sommelier (CMS Advanced), or Certified Wine Educator (CWE).
• Experience in wine sales, marketing, or hospitality.

Benefits Overview:

Palm Bay offers a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(K), paid vacation, personal time off and 11 paid company holidays

Palm Bay International is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer