General Manager , Wine

Kono is a Māori whānau–owned food and beverage business with a proud legacy and a bold 500‑year intergenerational vision. Our award‑winning wines are enjoyed around the world, showcasing the craftsmanship of Tohu Wines and Kono Wines, and our commitment to protecting and enhancing our taonga for current and future generations.

We are seeking an exceptional General Manager – Wine to lead our wine business, inspire our people, and drive sustainable, profitable growth in both domestic and international markets.

About the role

As General Manager – Wine, you will provide strategic leadership across the entire business, including winemaking, viticulture, sales, marketing, finance, and operations. You’ll shape the future direction of our Wines business while ensuring our values, identity, and integrity are upheld and guide everything we do.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a globally recognised Māori wine brand in a role that blends commercial leadership, people development, brand stewardship, and sustainability.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the long‑term business strategy aligned with Kono’s vision, values, and goals.

• Drive sustainable and profitable growth across global and domestic markets.

• Anticipate industry trends, market shifts, innovation opportunities, and consumer preferences.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee end‑to‑end operations across vineyards, winemaking, supply chain, and distribution.

• Champion innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with local and international regulations and certifications.

People & Culture

• Inspire, mentor, and develop high‑performing leaders and teams.

• Foster a culture that upholds our values and enables high performance across the business.

• Promote excellence in Health, Safety & Wellness.

• Ensure teams are capable, empowered, and well‑resourced.

Brand & Market Development

• Champion the Tohu and Kono brand identity and global positioning.

• Build strong partnerships with distributors, retailers, and industry bodies.

• Represent Kono at key events, trade missions, and media opportunities.

Financial Leadership

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and commercial planning.

• Deliver on key financial performance targets and reporting expectations.

• Embed strong commercial discipline across the business.

Sustainability – Whenua Ora

• Lead long‑term sustainability outcomes across waste, land, water, and climate.

• Ensure delivery of Whenua Ora goals and compliance with sustainability commitments.

About you

You will be a values‑driven executive with a strong commercial background and a passion for people, culture, and brand. You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience in wine, FMCG, or export‑driven sectors.

• Proven track record setting and delivering organisational strategy (5+ years).

• Strong commercial acumen, including managing a $20m+ P&L.

• Understanding of wine production, global markets, and international trade.

• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and shaping a high‑performance culture.

• A strategic mindset with the ability to identify opportunities and take calculated risks.

• Demonstrates a willingness to learn about and respectfully engage with Māori culture, and works in alignment with our values.

• A relevant tertiary qualification is helpful but demonstrated leadership success is essential.

Why join Kono?

• Lead one of the most distinctive wine brands in Aotearoa.

• Work in a values‑driven, whānau‑centred organisation.

• Be part of a long‑term, intergenerational vision.

• Make a meaningful contribution to people, land, culture, and future generations.

Apply now

If you’re a strategic, people‑centred leader ready to guide our wine business into its next era — we’d love to hear from you.

For further information, please go to Kono and for a copy of the Job Description, please contact [email protected]

Please note that this position is subject to a clear pre‑employment drug and alcohol test, as well as reference and background checks (including criminal history and right‑to‑work verification).

We will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.