General Manager - Boutique Wine Estate

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

On-site accommodation

Prestigious winery

Autonomy in strategy

Generous leave

Car allowance

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a premier wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks an experienced General Manager to lead the estate’s strategic direction and overall operations across viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, sales and marketing.

The successful candidate will drive profitability, uphold premium quality, manage budgets, cultivate staff excellence, and represent the estate at industry events while building brand visibility locally and internationally.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of senior management experience in wine or premium agriculture.
• Proven experience in managing viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, sales, and marketing.
• Strong understanding of wine production, market dynamics, and brand building.
• Excellent financial management and strategic planning skills.
• Leadership with team management capabilities and strong communication.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Business Admin, or related field.
• Passion for wine and commitment to exceptional quality.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall strategic business plan for the wine estate.
• Oversee vineyard operations, winemaking, and cellar management.
• Lead hospitality division including cellar door, restaurant, and accommodation.
• Drive sales and marketing to expand market reach and brand visibility.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, including oenological standards.
• Lead and motivate a diverse team across departments.
• Foster a culture of quality, innovation, and sustainability.
• Represent the estate at industry events and build stakeholder relations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Wine industry knowledge

Team development

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Viticulture or Oenology or Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed boutique wine estate nestled in the picturesque vineyards of Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced and visionary General Manager. This executive role is responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational management of the estate, encompassing viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, sales, and marketing. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the wine industry, exceptional leadership qualities, and a proven ability to drive profitability and enhance brand reputation. You will be instrumental in guiding the estate's growth, ensuring the production of premium wines, and delivering outstanding guest experiences through its hospitality offerings. This is a significant leadership opportunity for an individual passionate about wine and meticulous about operational excellence in the heart of the Western Cape wine region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall strategic business plan for the wine estate.
• Oversee all aspects of vineyard operations, winemaking, and cellar management.
• Manage and develop the hospitality division, including cellar door sales, restaurant, and accommodation (if applicable).
• Lead sales and marketing efforts to expand market reach and brand visibility, both domestically and internationally.
• Manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including oenological standards and licensing.
• Lead and motivate a diverse team of professionals across all departments.
• Foster a culture of quality, innovation, and sustainability throughout the estate.
• Represent the wine estate at industry events and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of senior management experience in the wine or premium agriculture industry.
• Proven experience in managing diverse operations, including viticulture, winemaking, sales, and hospitality.
• Strong understanding of wine production, market dynamics, and brand building.
• Excellent financial management and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong network within the wine industry is a significant advantage.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Passion for wine and a commitment to producing exceptional quality.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• On-site accommodation may be provided.
• Opportunity to lead a prestigious wine estate in a world-renowned region.
• Significant autonomy and influence over business strategy.
• Generous leave entitlement.
• Car allowance and other executive benefits.