Independent Chair – Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Board

Lead the national sustainability program for Australia’s grape and wine sector

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is seeking a respected and strategic leader to serve as Independent Chair of the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Board. This is a high-profile national role central to strengthening the sustainability credentials, market access and long-term resilience of Australia’s grape and wine producers.

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

The Independent Chair leads the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Board to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and effective program oversight. The Chair will guide the Board in developing the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Strategic Plan, approving annual budgets and operating plans, managing risk, overseeing certification arrangements and supporting the program’s national growth and integrity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading Board meetings and ensuring high-quality governance
• Overseeing the development of the program Strategic Plan
• Overseeing financial performance, risk management and program sustainability
• Supporting the Executive Officer and ensuring operational effectiveness
• Providing oversight of certification, data management and trust mark processes
• Engaging constructively with AGW, AWRI, Wine Australia and industry stakeholders, including reporting on program performance, risks and strategic opportunities

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience as a Board Chair in a complex or national organisation
• A respected profile and reputation in industry, sustainability, governance or national policy
• Strong strategic capability and governance leadership
• A high level of business acumen
• Proven track record operating in a commercial environment
• Experience in one or more relevant domains: sustainability, viticulture or winemaking, ESG, finance, audit and risk, marketing, trade or regulatory frameworks
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Independence
• Governance training (e.g. AICD or equivalent) highly regarded.

Time commitment

Approximately 1-2 days per month, including preparation, meetings (minimum six per year), stakeholder engagement and support to the Executive Officer.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria by COB 19 December 2025.

For further information, a copy of the position description or a confidential discussion, contact:

Julian Snook, Human Resources Specialist, AWRI

08 8313 8320 or julian.snook@awri.com.au

For further information on the Program visit https://sustainablewinegrowing.com.au/

For a position description visit Position-Description-SWA-Independent-Chair.pdf