Director of Operations, Wine & Spirits (Hybrid)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonuses & profit sharing

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Operations for a prestigious vineyard and spirits producer in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee production from grape sourcing through bottling, packaging and logistics, ensuring quality and efficiency.

This senior role requires extensive wine/spirits experience and strategic leadership. You will lead cellar masters, production staff, and logistics, manage budgets, optimize costs, ensure HACCP compliance, and coordinate with sales/export teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (Viticulture/Oenology/FOOD Science/Operations Management).
• 10+ years of progressive operations experience in wine/spirits industry.
• Strong leadership and financial acumen, with budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vineyard and winery operations: viticulture, fermentation, aging, bottling and packaging.
• Develop strategies to improve product quality, production efficiency and cost control.
• Lead and mentor cellar masters, production staff, and logistics teams; drive continuous improvement.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, finished goods, and aging stock with compliance.
• Ensure HACCP and food safety standards and industry certifications.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's in Viticulture/Oenology

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Operations for a prestigious vineyard and spirits producer in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee production from grape sourcing through bottling, packaging and logistics, ensuring quality and efficiency.

This senior role requires extensive wine/spirits experience and strategic leadership. You will lead cellar masters, production staff, and logistics, manage budgets, optimize costs, ensure HACCP compliance, and coordinate with sales/export teams.