Programme Officer

Institute of Masters of Wine

About the Organisation

Institute of Masters of Wine is the home of exceptional expertise in the wine world. What started more than 70 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognised title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 418 MWs based in 29 countries, each making its own contribution to the world of wine. Becoming an MW means entering a unique wine community; one that brings enriching personal and professional opportunities, as well as lifelong friendships.

The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. As well as running the MW study programme, our programme of worldwide events offers unparalleled opportunities to taste and learn. These tastings and seminars, including our international symposium, are open for anyone to attend – you don’t have to be a Master of Wine to join in.

About the role

The Programme Officer is responsible for supporting the work of the Institute’s education team in the delivery of the MW study programme. This includes, but is not limited to, programme administration and communications, supporting with the accuracy of data and the CRM, and global wine logistics.

Responsibilities

Programme Administration:

• Student communications: act as the first point of contact for student questions, overseeing the education inbox.
• Finance: support across the team with tracking and raising invoices and purchase orders for all study programme activity.
• Programme calendar: ensure accuracy of programme calendar and other associated materials for delivery.
• Policies and processes: general administration across the team, supporting processes such as academic appeals.
• Data and CRM: support with monitoring and evaluation of the study programme, keeping the CRM up to date across the academic year, by assisting the Head of Study Programme, Education Programme Manager, and Exam and Research Paper Co-ordinator.

Events (course days, introductory courses, webinars and seminars):

• Materials support with currency and distribution of materials to staff, supporters, MWs, and students.
• Event management: lead delivery of in-person (London) course days, overseeing wine, materials, and AV, and support internationally with seminar delivery.
• Communications: lead on student and MW communication prior to and post-event.
• Process and systems: support the Education Programme Manager with tracking of admissions, course days, and seminars, keeping CRM up to date.

Wine Procurement and Cellar Management:

• Procurement: support the Head of Study Programme to procure study programme wines, including contacting vendors, raising POs, arranging delivery and returning stock where required.
• Wine shipment: arrange shipment and packing of wines for all study programme events and examinations.
• Stock management: ensure leftover stock is used appropriately; keeping an accurate database of all stock.
• Cellar management: support with a project to manage stock in IMW cellar down to reasonable levels, run stock reports and update database when stock is used, and allocate storage costs appropriately with finance.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Required:

• Wine procurement applicants are not required to have experience in the wine industry. However, a genuine interest in wine is essential, and you will be required to undertake WSET Level 2 soon after joining if you do not hold this qualification.
• Programme administration: as is common in programme delivery, this is a broad-spectrum role. It is not expected that all candidates will necessarily have knowledge and experience that meets all criteria. However, if you can demonstrate transferable skills and how you may approach new areas, then we look forward to hearing from you
• Adapt communication style across audiences, sensitively and approachably communicating with a range of stakeholders, and responding on time.
• Time management, works both independently and collaboratively and feels comfortable adapting priorities in line with evolving business needs.
• Approach to problem solving able to proactively identify and resolve logistical or administrative problems, escalating to Head of Study Programme where required.
• Supporting the delivery of projects/programmes: has some experience supporting project or programme delivery, using a CRM, spreadsheets, and other digital collaboration tools, using them to oversee their own work and support with evaluation and data.
• Event management has some experience supporting in-person and online event logistics. Experience with education or wine events is a bonus, but not essential.
• Finance has some experience with tracking, invoicing and reporting processes and tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days, plus public holidays
• Private healthcare: option to opt in to BUPA healthcare, as a defined taxable benefit
• Pension: after three months’ employment, the IMW will contribute 8%, on a non-contributory basis, to employees ' accounts

Conditions of employment

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely
• Office attendance is required three days per week. Flexibility and additional attendance, for example, during course days and seminars, will be expected at certain points of the year, including a mandatory six days in person during exam week (usually the first week of June).
• Weekend and evening work will be required, for which time off in lieu will be given.
• The ability to travel internationally is a prerequisite for this role. Regularity varies annually, but applicants can expect at least several weeks per year.

How to apply

• Apply to send a CV and cover letter to Sian Silverstone, Head of Study Programme (she/her) at [email protected] by midnight, UK time, on 7th June 2026

Interviews

• If invited for an interview, Sian encourages candidates to discuss any adjustments that may be helpful in advance with her.
• First interviews (online) 12th June
• Second interviews (in person)18th and 19th June
• Interview themes will be sent to all successful candidates in advance

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