Operations Manager - Wine Estate & Tourism Sector

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Preferential rates on estate products

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Operations Manager for a prestigious wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee vineyard, production, hospitality and visitor experiences, aligning operations with quality standards and guest satisfaction.

You will lead a diverse team, manage budgets, and implement strategies to improve efficiency, profitability and service delivery in a dynamic estate environment on-site in Paarl.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, Viticulture, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management within wine, hospitality, or agricultural tourism.
• Proven experience in managing diverse teams and complex operations.
• Strong understanding of wine production and vineyard management is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Financial management, budgeting, and cost control experience.
• Experience in event management and customer service excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment in Paarl, Western Cape, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the wine estate including vineyard, production, hospitality, and visitor experiences.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
• Manage budgets and cost control across departments.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team including vineyard managers, winemakers, hospitality staff, and event coordinators.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards in wine production and customer service.
• Oversee inventory, procurement, and supply chain logistics.
• Develop and execute marketing and sales strategies for estate offerings.
• Oversee event planning and execution for visitors.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural, food safety and hospitality regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Operations management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate renowned for its award-winning wines and exceptional visitor experiences, is seeking an accomplished Operations Manager to oversee its multifaceted operations. This role is critical for ensuring the seamless functioning of all estate activities, including viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, and tourism. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of the agricultural and hospitality sectors, and a passion for maintaining the highest standards of quality and service. This is a unique opportunity to manage the operational dynamics of a world-class establishment in the heart of the beautiful Paarl, Western Cape, ZA .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations of the wine estate, including vineyard management, production, hospitality services, and visitor experiences.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
• Manage budgets for various operational departments, ensuring cost control and resource optimization.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of staff, including vineyard managers, winemakers, hospitality personnel, and event coordinators.
• Ensure adherence to stringent quality standards in wine production, cellar operations, and customer service.
• Manage inventory, supply chain logistics, and procurement for all operational needs.
• Develop and execute marketing and sales strategies for the estate’s offerings.
• Oversee event planning and execution to ensure successful and memorable experiences for visitors.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant agricultural, food safety, and hospitality regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, Viticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management, with a significant portion in the wine, hospitality, or agricultural tourism sector.
• Proven experience in managing diverse teams and complex operations.
• Strong understanding of wine production processes and vineyard management is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Experience in event management and customer service excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and demanding environment within Paarl, Western Cape, ZA .
• Passion for wine, tourism, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by performance bonuses and benefits that include medical aid, retirement savings, and preferential rates on estate products. This role provides the opportunity to work within a unique and beautiful setting, with significant potential for professional growth and impact within the wine and tourism industry. The position is based on-site in Paarl, Western Cape, ZA , offering an immersive experience.