Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Darrin Wood

Blenheim

Summary

Dynamic Relationship Manager with proven success at Wildlight Ltd, excelling in client relationship management and sales development. Recognized for exceeding sales goals through strategic networking and exceptional communication. Expertise in contract negotiation and team leadership, driving performance improvements and fostering strong partnerships to enhance business outcomes.


Experienced Relationship Manager and Viticulture Operations Specialist with over 20 years of success in the wine, horticulture, and agricultural machinery industries. Skilled in relationship management, contract negotiation, vineyard development, and operational leadership. Adept at navigating complex supply environments, leading teams through critical periods, and driving significant growth.


Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Relationship Manager

Wildlight Ltd,
01.2021 - 01.2025
  • Built and maintained relationships with new and existing clients while providing high level of expertise.
  • Consistently exceeded quarterly sales goals by cultivating a strong network of professional contacts and referrals.
  • Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
  • Achieved goals for sale of bank products and services and exceeded performance metrics for customer service.
  • Sourced grape supplies while managing grower relationships and contracts.
  • Coordinated and supervised all aspects of harvest operations.

Grower Relationship Manager

Indevin Group
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Developed effective pruning strategies, leading to healthier plants with increased fruit set and yields.
  • Enhanced crop yield by utilizing advanced growing practices and maintaining optimal environmental conditions.
  • Coordinated effectively with sales representatives to forecast crop availability accurately and meet customer demands consistently.
  • Utilized integrated pest management strategies that minimized pesticide use while ensuring optimal crop protection from pests and diseases.
  • Negotiated vineyard leases to expand grower partnerships.
  • Recruited new growers to enhance viticulture output.
  • Led Indevin’s Viticulture Team in implementing best practices and innovation.

Estate Operations Manager / Grower Relationship Mn

Yealands Wine Group
01.2015 - 01.2020
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
  • Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
  • Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
  • Handled staff training initiatives aimed at upskilling the workforce to meet dynamic industry demands.
  • Oversaw Vineyard Development, Grounds, Engineering, and Grape Marc Teams.

Tasman Area Manager

FMR Group (Marlborough John Deere Agent)
01.2001 - 01.2015
  • Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
  • Conducted training sessions to educate employees on best practices and procedures to increase profitability.
  • Assessed reports to evaluate performance, develop targeted improvements, and implement changes.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, maintaining detailed records and documentation as required.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve customer service and increase sales.
  • Oversaw budget planning, strategy development, community outreach for organization.

Education

Cookery For The Catering Industry Levels 1 And 2

City And Guilds of London Institute
01-1995

Skills

  • Relationship building
  • Client relationships
  • Relationship building and management
  • Excellent communication
  • Grower Relationship Management
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Harvest Coordination
  • Viticulture Team Leadership
  • Sales and Business Development
  • Vineyard Development
  • Crisis Management (Covid-19 Response)
  • Team Building and Staff Welfare

Timeline

Relationship Manager

Wildlight Ltd,
01.2021 - 01.2025

Grower Relationship Manager

Indevin Group
01.2020 - 01.2021

Estate Operations Manager / Grower Relationship Mn

Yealands Wine Group
01.2015 - 01.2020

Tasman Area Manager

FMR Group (Marlborough John Deere Agent)
01.2001 - 01.2015

Cookery For The Catering Industry Levels 1 And 2

City And Guilds of London Institute
Darrin Wood