Programme Manager – Undergraduate Wine

Company: Plumpton College
Closing Date: 22-06-2025
Location: Plumpton, Lewes BN7 3AE
Salary: up to £39,943 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contact Email: recruitment@plumpton.ac.uk

Description

Shape the future of wine education at Plumpton College – where tradition meets innovation in the heart of English wine country.

Are you passionate about viticulture and oenology? Do you have a talent for inspiring students and driving academic excellence? Join us as Programme Manager – Undergraduate Wine, and lead one of the UK's most unique and respected wine education programmes.

In this dynamic and influential role, you will oversee the delivery and development of our undergraduate wine business and production degree. You’ll manage the curriculum, guide a dedicated teaching team, and ensure our students graduate with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to thrive in the global wine industry.

What you'll do:

Lead and manage the undergraduate wine programme in line with university and industry standards.

Deliver high-quality teaching in areas such as wine production, marketing, legislation, and international trade.

Support and inspire students throughout their academic journey – from induction to graduation.

Drive curriculum innovation, quality assurance, and teaching excellence.

Foster employer partnerships and coordinate industry-relevant placements.

Collaborate across departments to support recruitment, strategic planning, and the wider higher education agenda.

What we're looking for:

A qualification in Viticulture and Oenology or equivalent professional experience.

Strong industry insight and subject knowledge in wine business, production, and marketing.

Proven ability to manage academic programmes and support student achievement.

Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.

A passion for student success and an inclusive, forward-thinking approach to education.

Desirable (but not essential):

A master’s degree, Doctorate, or teaching qualification.

Experience in research, curriculum development, or team leadership.

Why Plumpton?
We are a specialist land-based and environmental college, proud to be at the forefront of wine education in the UK. You’ll join a passionate and supportive team with access to outstanding facilities, a strong industry network, and a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

A competitive salary
Up to 37 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), and up to 5 efficiency days at Christmas
Membership of the Teachers' Pension Scheme
Comprehensive CPD and in-house teacher training (where applicable)
We have signed the Menopause Pledge to support employees
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer
A supported 6-month probationary period with a structured induction process
A coaching culture with L5 trained coaches in-house
TOTUM card for high street discounts and eligibility to apply for a Blue Light Card
Regular networking events to facilitate support and collaboration focussed on menopause, LGBTQ+, men’s health, and bereavement
Well attended EDI and Sustainability committees making positive changes
Employee Assistance Programme
Free cake and a hot drink on your birthday
Staff social events at Christmas and in the summer
Free onsite parking
Discounted Plumpton wine
Discounts on Plumpton courses
Free eye tests
Cycle to work scheme
Free use of the onsite gym.

Be part of something extraordinary. Inspire the next generation of wine professionals.

We reserve the right to call candidates to interview/withdraw this vacancy at any time if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.