Office Supervisor​/Wine Testing Administrator

Director of Communications and Wine Standards

About OWAA

The Ontario Wine Appellation Authority (OWAA) regulates the production and labeling of Ontario appellation wines under the Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999. OWAA conducts wine testing and certification, audits wineries, verifies regulatory compliance and offers educational programs. It has a wide range of engagement with industry and government stakeholders.

Role Summary

This role manages daily office operations, administers wine testing and approval processes and supports the review and audit. The position supports wineries, stakeholders, and internal teams through accurate coordination, record‑keeping, and clear communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily onsite office operations and resolve issues proactively
• Serve as first point of contact for wineries, stakeholders, and the public
• Maintain records, policies, procedures, and filing systems
• Coordinate meetings and prepare agendas, reports, and minutes
• Liaise with suppliers, building management, and external partners
• Provide backup support to staff as required

• Administer wine approval applications, documentation, and sample tracking
• Coordinate sensory testing, including panel scheduling, setup, cleanup, and records
• Maintain tasting panel roster and process expenses
• Coordinate laboratory analysis and external invoicing
• Review applications and test results for regulatory compliance
• Liaise with wineries and external partners to resolve approval issues
• Manage export certification and quality assurance testing files

• Support winery membership applications, renewals, and sales reporting
• Maintain relationships with member wineries and stakeholders
• Assist members with online services and inquiries

• Maintain contact lists and support education and outreach activities
• Assist with seminars, training events, and panelist education
• Support and document compliance monitoring activities as directed

Skills & Experience

• 3–5+ years in office administration, operations, or regulatory support
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, customer service oriented
• Reliable with ability to manage priorities independently
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel/database knowledge required)
• Tact and professional judgment when handling confidential matters
• Knowledge of wine and regulatory processes an asset, willingness to learn essential

Education

• Applicable post‑secondary diploma or degree
• Formal wine training, logistics or chemistry background an asset
• TTC‑accessible location (Finch Station)
• Standard business hours (7.5 hours/day between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.)
• Occasional travel within Ontario
• Physical tasks include lifting boxes (up to 35 lbs), opening wine bottles, and sanitizing equipment
• RRSP matching
• Additional 3 days paid leave during December closure

APPLY

Please include a resume and cover letter and be sure to let us know what your favourite VQA wine is. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and encourage all qualified persons to apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Administrative

• Wineries