JN Wine Apprenticeship Programme

Who we are

We are an award-winning independent wine merchant who champion innovative, high-quality wines sourced from family and artisan wineries from around the world. We are dedicated to building direct relationships with small producers, supporting sustainable practices and delivering exceptional customer service alongside honest, knowledgeable advice without pretention. Our aim is to connect our community with wines that tell a story, spark curiosity and elevate everyday moments.

The Programme

The JN Apprenticeship programme will run for two years, during which time the apprentice will study for WSET qualifications alongside working.

Based in our head office in Crossgar, Northern Ireland, the apprentice will undertake placements in retail, events, marketing and creative content, purchasing and logistics. You will learn how each team operates and how the teams work together. This apprenticeship offers a breadth of training and experience to carry the apprentice on into a successful career in the wine industry.

The apprentice will also have two trips to visit producers, one in each year.

Skills and experience

• Enthusiastic and motivated with a passion for wine
• Strong communication skills, written and oral
• Excellent team player
• Competent use of IT software such as Microsoft office
• Competent use of social media
• A desire to learn every aspect of the wine trade
• Customer service skills are desirable
• Additional languages are desirable but not essential

The package

• Competitive salary and benefits
• WSET qualifications
• Supportive working environment
• Travel to visit producers
• Extensive training in multiple areas of the business

How to apply

Send your CV to jobs@jnwine.com along with a cover letter explaining why you want to join our apprenticeship programme.

Retail Advisor

We are recruiting a retail advisor to work in the shop in Crossgar, Co. Down.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about wine to work in the industry in a customer facing role. We are looking for dedicated individual, with a real drive and knowledge for wine to join the retail team. This is a varied role and includes assisting customers, organising, and presenting at events, packing and processing orders, marketing and general shop duties.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting customers in the shop, on the phone or by email with their wine needs
• Making wine recommendations
• Processing orders
• Packing and checking orders for despatch
• Stock management
• Maintain the company website (imagery, content, products)
• General administrative duties
• Planning and presenting at events
• Hosting tastings
• Handling payment securely
• Planning and carrying out social media campaigns
• Creation of imagery and content for ad-hoc projects

Essential Skills:

• Minimum 6 GCSE passes at grade ‘C’ or above or equivalent (or higher) including English language and Math
• Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficient IT skills to work with ERP
• Knowledge and interest in wine (WSET desirable but not essential)
• Good communication skills, both with customers and other members of the JN team
• Marketing experience – capturing social media content, use of publishing platforms and design software

Benefits:

• Fantastic staff discount
• Friendly and exciting working atmosphere
• Great social events
• Pension scheme
• Opportunities to gain further qualifications in the industry
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Opportunity to meet wine makers
• Opportunity to taste a wide range of wines

Working Hours

The retail team are located in the JN Wine shop in Crossgar, Co. Down.

40 hours per week on a shift rota. Retail shifts are 8 hours and run between 9am and 7pm. Working days are Monday to Saturday. Occasional work outside of these hours will be required for events.

Applications can be downloaded here and should be submitted to jobs@jnwine.com along with your CV.

Company Information

Established in 1977, James Nicholson Wine is one of Ireland's leading independent wine merchants. Selling wine to the on-trade (restaurants, hotels, caterers), premium off trade (mostly other independent wine merchants), and to retail customers throughout Ireland and the UK.

With a state-of-the-art shop in Crossgar, a recently acquired shop in London, warehouses in Dublin and Crossgar and over 2000 product lines, James Nicholson Wine offers the finest and most innovative wines from around the world.

James Nicholson Wine Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and appoints on merit.