Bill Gumbleton
Griffith
Summary
Accomplished technical operations specialist and consultant with over 20 years’ experience in winemaking, production, and process improvement. Expert in commissioning large-scale equipment, enhancing quality management systems, and driving operational excellence. Recognized for strategic leadership, effective stakeholder engagement, and the successful implementation of continuous improvement initiatives across diverse operational environments.
Results-driven professional ready to leverage extensive experience in running successful business to excel in new role. Recognized for delivering high-quality outcomes through effective team collaboration and reliable performance. Skilled in strategic planning, client engagement, and adapting to dynamic business environments.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Sole Trader
Consultancy Business
12.2024 - Current
- Develop and deliver strategic consulting services focused on business expansion, employee training, and contract-based technical support.
- Successfully commissioned large-scale beverage production equipment projects.
- Provide comprehensive after-sales support to ensure operational continuity and client satisfaction.
Technical Operations Specialist
AEB Oceania
06.2023 - 02.2025
- Installed, commissioned, and maintained the AEB Stabymatic range of ion exchange machines.
- Led technical trials for wineries, showcasing unique product advantages and tailoring process protocols.
- Coordinated scheduling, equipment logistics, and personnel involvement, reporting detailed outcomes for continuous product improvement.
- Part-Time/Periodic
- Championed best practices in technical operations management by staying current on industry trends and emerging technologies.
- Spearheaded the successful migration of critical systems to updated platforms, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
- Evaluated and recommended technology solutions to support business growth, ensuring scalability and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Delivered high-quality training sessions on various technology tools to enhance team skills and knowledge.
- Reduced downtime with proactive maintenance, troubleshooting, and resolution of hardware and software issues.
- Streamlined processes for increased efficiency by automating tasks and developing user-friendly documentation.
- Enhanced system performance by optimizing technical operations and implementing continuous improvement strategies.
- Conducted thorough system analysis to identify areas of improvement, leading to optimized workflows and higher overall performance.
- Increased productivity by managing technical projects from inception to completion with clear communication and attention to detail.
- Managed vendor relationships effectively, negotiating contracts that resulted in cost savings without sacrificing quality or service levels.
- Boosted collaboration among team members using project management tools for task tracking, communication, and resource allocation.
- Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.
Packaging Operations & Improvement Advisor
Deevine Estate
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Analyzed packaging processes to identify inefficiencies and design targeted improvement strategies.
- Developed a phased process solution that reduced production delays and streamlined sterilizing routines.
- Engaged with floor staff and supervisors to ensure changes were clearly communicated and effectively implemented, balancing cost benefits with enhanced employee well-being.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
- Conducted in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, enabling clients to capitalize on new investment opportunities.
Operations Director
Berton Vineyards
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Oversaw winemaking, laboratory, and production operations while managing capital expenditure and ensuring health and safety compliance.
- Mentored staff—including intern and senior winemakers—to enhance hands-on skills and leadership capacity.
- Served on the board to support strategic initiatives aimed at minimizing waste and optimizing operational performance.
- Developed strategic plans for business growth, enabling the company to expand its market share and increase revenue.
- Reviewed financial and operational reports on regular basis to make effective decisions.
- Led, supervised and provided strategic direction for workforce of over 50 employees.
Winemaker/Operations Advisor
Berton Vineyards, Yenda NSW
01.2010 - 06.2022
- Coordinated grape intake (15,000–18,000 tonnes) and collaborated on budgeting and resource allocation with senior management.
- Managed comprehensive winemaking processes from grape processing and blending to pre-bottling scheduling.
- Actively contributed to Quality Management and WHS committees while developing, reviewing, and updating SOPs across laboratory, winemaking, and cellar functions.
- Partnered with maintenance and cellar teams to implement effective preventative maintenance programs.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create engaging promotional materials highlighting unique wine characteristics.
- Developed new wine profiles by experimenting with different grape varieties and fermentation methods.
- Conducted regular tastings with staff members to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving product offerings.
- Utilized advanced laboratory testing equipment as part of routine quality assurance checks, ensuring each wine met desired criteria for taste, color, and aroma.
- Leveraged extensive knowledge of international markets to drive export sales efforts, expanding overall customer base beyond local regions.
- Incorporated sustainable winemaking practices throughout the entire production process, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing product quality or yield rates.
- Mentored junior winemakers, fostering professional growth through hands-on training in various aspects of the winemaking process.
- Optimized vineyard practices such as pruning and canopy management to promote healthy grapevine growth and increase overall fruit quality.
- Participated in industry events, representing the winery at trade shows and tastings to expand brand recognition and market presence.
- Evaluated competitor wines regularly, identifying areas for potential improvement within our own product lineup or adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Improved cellar management practices to maximize barrel usage efficiency while maintaining optimal aging conditions for each individual wine variety produced at the facility.
- Increased production efficiency through optimization of blending procedures and equipment usage.
- Coordinated logistics for efficient transportation of harvested grapes from vineyards to production facilities while minimizing spoilage risk during transit.
- Enhanced wine quality by implementing innovative fermentation techniques and processes.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, securing competitive pricing on high-quality grapes and other essential resources.
- Streamlined bottling process, resulting in reduced production time without compromising product quality.
- Reduced spoilage rates by consistently monitoring storage conditions and making necessary adjustments.
- Implemented stringent quality control measures to ensure consistency among all products before being released for sale.
- Monitored harvest activities closely to determine ideal picking times based on weather conditions and ripeness levels of grapes.
- Helped managers make accurate decisions by tracking deviations from production targets with daily logs.
- Completed frequent inspections to identify and resolve problems affecting performance.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that benefited the organization''s bottom line.
- Implemented changes based on feedback from internal audits or reviews, creating a more efficient operation overall.
- Coordinated with external partners such as suppliers or distributors to ensure smooth operations without delays.
- Evaluated existing operations against industry standards, identifying areas for further optimization.
- Conducted thorough analyses of operations to identify areas for improvement and recommend solutions.
- Created detailed reports on operational metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions addressing complex challenges.
- Boosted employee morale through effective communication channels and recognition of achievements, leading to higher retention rates.
- Developed and implemented strategies for optimizing resource allocation, resulting in improved overall performance.
Cellar Manager / Quality Manager
Berton Vineyards
11.2005 - 01.2015
- Established and maintained HACCP-based quality management systems for export markets.
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of a streamlined winery setup, which included designing operational layouts and acquiring equipment.
- Managed recruitment, training, and performance evaluations, driving continuous efficiency gains within the cellar and winery.
Cellar Manager
Cranswick Premium Wines / Evans & Tate
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Supported vintage operations by coordinating staffing and procurement of consumables.
- Developed and maintained ISO-compliant quality management systems across multiple winery sites.
- Contributed to preventative maintenance and cellar efficiency programs while managing critical data and process documentation.
Cellar Hand
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Operated RVD Filters and assisted with transfers, blending, and material handling.
- Supported forklift operations and managed bulk container loading to optimize production flow.
Wilton Estate Wines
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Executed primary cellar duties including operation of winemaking equipment, bottling processes, and general maintenance.
- Managed weighbridge operations and supported broader production logistics.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Oenology
Charles Sturt University
(Distance) Wagga Wagga04-2020
Skills
- Operations Management: Strategic planning, budgeting, and process optimization
- Technical Expertise: Equipment commissioning, technical trials, and after-sales support
- Quality & Compliance: Implementation of HACCP/ISO standards, SOP development, and WHS management
- Project Management: Process redesign, efficiency programs, and cross-functional team leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement: Employee training, vendor coordination, and board-level consultation
- Leadership qualities
- Portfolio management
- Order management
Accomplishments
- Achieved Client satisfaction and regained confidence through effectively helping with problem solving operational issues and rectifying installation errors
- Collaborated with team of 14 in the development of Operating procedures and implementation/education of key machinery capabilities to maximise possible production efficiencies and product quality
Timeline
Sole Trader
Consultancy Business
12.2024 - Current
Technical Operations Specialist
AEB Oceania
06.2023 - 02.2025
Packaging Operations & Improvement Advisor
Deevine Estate
01.2023 - 06.2023
Operations Director
Berton Vineyards
06.2022 - 11.2022
Winemaker/Operations Advisor
Berton Vineyards, Yenda NSW
01.2010 - 06.2022
Cellar Manager / Quality Manager
Berton Vineyards
11.2005 - 01.2015
Cellar Manager
Cranswick Premium Wines / Evans & Tate
01.2004 - 01.2005
Cellar Hand
01.2001 - 01.2004
Wilton Estate Wines
01.1998 - 01.2000
Bachelor of Science - Oenology
Charles Sturt University
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