Chief Technology Officer

Korbel Champagne Cellars • Full-time • Guerneville, CA, US • 1d ago

Korbel Champagne Cellars is an iconic producer of premium méthode champenoise sparkling wines in Sonoma County, California. We combine traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on CTO to modernize our technology stack—from legacy 2000s-era on-premise systems to current best-in-class efficiencies—while driving innovation across manufacturing, sales, marketing, and operations.

Position Summary

Reporting to senior leadership, the CTO will lead all aspects of IT, IS, and digital transformation. Initial focus areas include comprehensive network assessment and optimization, email system migration to the cloud, and ERP enhancements. The role requires deep expertise in enterprise systems and the ability to bridge legacy infrastructure with modern cloud and integrated solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure & IT Modernization (Priority Initiatives)

• Conduct a full assessment of network viability (wired and wireless), analyze current settings, and implement upgrades to optimize performance, security, reliability, and scalability.

• Lead the decommissioning of the existing on-premise email system and design/implement a secure, scalable cloud-based collaboration and email platform.

• Oversee the current JD Edwards ERP environment, including integrations, optimizations, and a planned upgrade to the cloud or potential migration to a new ERP platform (e.g., SAP or equivalent). Ensure seamless data flow and minimal disruption to operations.

• Manage integrations and data strategy across JD Edwards, UKG, Salesforce (CRM), and other systems to create a unified technology ecosystem.

Innovation & Operational Excellence

• Drive technology innovation in manufacturing: IoT/OT for production monitoring (fermentation, bottling, cellar operations), predictive maintenance, automation/SCADA enhancements, quality control, and supply chain optimization.

• Support sales and marketing with enhanced Salesforce capabilities, analytics, e-commerce, DTC tools, and customer insights platforms.

• Champion data-driven decision making, sustainability tracking, and compliance technologies (TTB, FDA, etc.).

• Evaluate and implement emerging tools relevant to beverage production and agritech.

Leadership & Strategy

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing IT team.

• Develop and execute a multi-year technology roadmap aligned with business objectives.

• Manage vendors, budgets, and projects with strong governance and ROI focus.

• Collaborate closely with winemaking, production, finance, sales, and hospitality teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 10+ years in progressive IT/IS roles, with at least 5 years in a CTO, CIO, or equivalent senior leadership position.

• Required Systems Expertise: Hands-on experience with JD Edwards (including upgrades, cloud migrations, and integrations), SAP, and Salesforce. Proven success modernizing JD Edwards environments is essential.

• Strong background in network infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud migrations (hybrid/on-prem to cloud),

ERP implementations, and system integrations.

• Experience in manufacturing, food & beverage, or regulated industries is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver large-scale digital transformations with measurable business impact.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree or certifications such as PMP, cloud, ERP-specific, or CISSP preferred).

• Excellent leadership, communication, and change-management skills. Must be comfortable working in a hands-on capacity in a facility-based environment while providing strategic vision.

• Ability to be based in or relocate to Guerneville/Sonoma County, CA.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.

• Opportunity to lead meaningful transformation at a historic, high-volume sparkling wine producer.

• Beautiful work location in the Russian River Valley.

Expected Salary Range (top-notch candidate with 10+ years total experience and 5+ years in CTO-level roles, plus required JD Edwards/SAP/Salesforce expertise):

Base salary: $230,000 – $290,000+ annually, plus performance bonuses and benefits. The upper end reflects deep ERP transformation experience and California market factors.