Jeffrey Byrne

Dear Hiring Manager,

I started my wine career journey over 8 years ago when I was working in a wine store in Upstate New York for a summer just before starting my Master’s degree. This experience gave me the opportunity to work with customers, building rapport and providing outstanding customer service. I was fortunate to be able to get the taste of what the wine industry had to offer, working in a fast-paced collaborative team environment. I started my Master’s degree in the following autumn which was a joint programme in Cork (Ireland), Paris (France) and Utrecht (The Netherlands). This international study experience gave me the opportunity to understand different cultures and broadened my knowledge base. I can easily adapt to new settings and environments.

My first two jobs after university were with the bank Société Générale in the Cost Accounting Department and HSBC bank in their Hedge Fund Department in Dublin. Both these companies gave me a brilliant platform to learn how the corporate business environment operates and the ability to pick up financial management skills. I also got the opportunity to lead and manage several projects and work on high-valued engagements worth millions of dollars. Through these jobs I learnt essential presentation and negotiation skills.

My desire to live abroad and gain international experience brought me to London in 2017; I got the golden opportunity to start my career in this vibrant city. I worked in a hedge fund, ADG Capital Management until the end of 2019. This experience enhanced my profile greatly as I got the opportunity to work directly with the CEO’s, Partners, and key decision makers and add value by providing operational support on all aspects of the business. I had full control over all the operational processes within the company - this experience enhanced my management and leadership skills. During my time at ADG, the AUM of the company jumped from £1 billion to £3 billion; this was in part due to my strong customer-service skills, onboarding new clients and ensuring that the client experience was always top notch.

My real passion for wine started shortly after I moved to London in 2017. I took the WSET Level 3 course that has given me an in-depth knowledge of the most well-known wine regions around the world and also through tastings, a developed palate. I have also completed the French Wine Scholar Program and the Level 1 Certification in California Wines by the California Wine Institute. I was working part-time in Vagabond Wines - a wine bar/store for six months alongside my full-time finance job to further gain experience within the wine industry. I really enjoyed giving educated advise to customers and being able to see the consumer trends first-hand. I regularly go for wine tastings in the London area and have volunteered in local wineries and vineyards. I also work seasonally in my local wine store at home in Ireland during Christmas - giving advice to customers on celebratory wines and wines to pair with their special Christmas meal. I am currently doing an online sales course to upskill myself in Sales & Account Management.

I’m known by my peers, juniors, and seniors as a highly organised and outgoing professional who’s extremely hard-working, motivated, and diligent. I have a keen eye for detail, ability to work under pressure, and adapt easily with changing environments. I am a team player, and I have great inter-personal and communication skills. I like networking with fellow wine enthusiasts and professionals, and also educating wine drinkers who are interested in knowing more about this fascinating subject.

I am now ready for the next challenge in my career and would like to join an organisation that aligns with my values and provides an opportunity wherein I can deliver my best and grow in my career. I am confident that I have the skills and experience required to make a success of any job opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Jeffrey Byrne