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Job Title


Program Manager - Regional Innovation


Company : Wine Australia


Location : Adelaide, Australia


Created : 2026-03-07


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Permanent; Ideally full time (hours negotiable) Location: Preferably Adelaide (but flexible) Wine Australia empowers the success of the Australian wine sector through Research, Innovation and Adoption to enhance global competitiveness and meet the challenges of tomorrow, today; Market Development to increase the demand and premium paid for Australian wine; and Regulatory Services to safeguard Australian wines integrity and uphold the sectors reputation. Wine Australia is funded by the sector, for the sector. Established under the Wine Australia Act 2013, it is a Commonwealth Government statutory authority. The Research and Innovation (R&I) team works with wine sector representative organisations and research partners to support the long-term success of the Australian grape and wine community. This includes directing and managing grape and wine R&D and facilitating the dissemination, adoption and commercialisation of the research outcomes. About the role The Program Manager Regional Innovation supports the National Extension & Adoption (E&A) Manager in delivering Wine Australias Extension and Adoption Strategy 2025-30. This opportunity has arisen following the resignation of the current incumbent to take up a new role. Building and coordinating regional capability and capacity to deliver nationally aligned extension and adoption programs is vitally important. Through strong partnerships with regional bodies, advisors and stakeholders, the role helps to accelerate the uptake of innovative practices and technologies that strengthen individual businesses and deliver outcomes aligned to the One Grape and Wine Sector Plan at a regional level. What youll do (key outputs): Regional Program leadership Lead the development and delivery of Wine Australias Regional Program, enabling Regional Partners to: identify priority innovation, extension and adoption needs, trial and evaluate agtech and new practices, assess regional adoption benefits, and support uptake of sustainable vineyard and winery innovations. National Advisor Network (Pilot) Lead delivery of the (Pilot) National Advisor Network, strengthening the sectors extension workforce through: access to evidencebased vineyard and winemaking information, professional training, mentoring and development, networking opportunities, and packaged programmes delivered on behalf of Wine Australia. Collaboration and strategy build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across RDCs, research organisations, government, industry associations and the private sector, identify service improvements, partnership opportunities and complementary funding, contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of Extension & Adoption strategies, programmes and supporting resources, and engage with stakeholders across all levels of the Australian wine sector. About you Practical understanding of the agricultural systems and regional communities a strategic thinker with a commercial mindset who can influence primary producers and enjoys facilitating. Tertiary qualification in viticulture, oenology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, plant sciences, soil sciences, agriculture, food technology, science or related disciplines. Demonstrated ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders by building credibility and communicating in ways that resonate with primary producers. Extensive experience in facilitating learning, consultation and engagement activities. Strong project planning, implementation and reporting capability. Current driving licence and willingness to travel intraand interstate. Selfstarter who takes initiative and works effectively with minimal daytoday supervision. Strong interpersonal skills and a collegial work style; enjoys being part of a team. Knowledge of grape growing, winemaking, horticulture or other agricultural sectors. Existing networks in the Australian and/or international grape and wine community. Commercial experience in deploying and testing agricultural solutions. Ability to identify potential public and private sector funding and partnership opportunities. Why join Wine Australia? Youll join a supportive, collaborative team with flexible working arrangements and a focus on growth and development where your ideas and wellbeing are valued. Wine Australia is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from First Nations peoples and people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates who require them. How to apply? Submit a cover letter and resume via SEEK. Closing date: COB 16 March 2026. For further information about Wine Australia and our E&A Strategy 2025-30 please visit our website: www.wineaustralia.com/about-us/strategy-and-planning #J-18808-Ljbffr