Published
12 January 2026
Location
Adelaide, Australia
Category
Academic
Job Type
Contractor
Closing Date
6 February 2026
Annual Salary
refer position description
Description
Guide the national sustainability program for Australia's grape and wine sector
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is seeking experienced and strategic individuals to serve as members of the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Board. This is a nationally significant governance role supporting strong oversight, strategic direction, and the long-term sustainability, market access, and resilience of Australia's grape and wine sector.
About the Program
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is the national program through which grape growers and winemakers across Australia measure, improve and communicate their sustainability performance. The program is vital to meeting evolving global ESG expectations and supporting the international competitiveness of Australian wine. A recent governance review has led to the formation of a non-incorporated joint venture arrangement which will focus on driving continuous improvement and improving the program's ease of use and cost effectiveness for members. Collaborative oversight will be provided via a joint governance agreement between Australian Grape & Wine (AGW), the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) and Wine Australia.
The Role
Board members work collectively with the Chair, fellow Board members and the Executive Officer to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and effective oversight of the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program.
Board members contribute to the development of the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Strategic Plan, review and approve annual budgets and operating plans, oversee financial performance and risk management, and provide oversight of certification arrangements, data management and trust mark processes that underpin the integrity and credibility of the program.
Key responsibilities include:
* Contributing to high-quality Board discussions and decision-making
* Developing and oversight of the program Strategic Plan
* Developing and approving the Annual Operating Plan
* Overseeing financial performance, risk management and program sustainability
* Providing oversight of certification, data management and trust mark processes
* Supporting and constructively engaging with the Executive Officer
* Engaging, when required, with AGW, AWRI, Wine Australia and industry stakeholders
* Ensuring transparent, accountable and effective governance
What we're looking for
We are seeking candidates who bring strong governance capability and experience in one or more of the following domains:
* Grape growing or winemaking
* Sustainability
* Finance, audit and risk
* Regulatory and legal compliance
* Marketing, trade or market access
* Strategic planning and governance
* Stakeholder engagement
Candidates will demonstrate:
* Strong strategic capability and sound governance
* A high level of business acumen
* Experience operating in complex or commercial environments
* The ability to contribute constructively and independently at Board level
* Governance training (e.g. AICD or equivalent) is highly regarded.
* An ability to act with independence from individual Members or stakeholders
Time commitment
Attendance at a minimum four meetings per year.
How to apply
Please submit a CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria by COB 6 February 2026.
For further information, a copy of the position description or a confidential discussion, contact:
Julian Snook, Human Resources Specialist, AWRI
or
For further information on the Program visit