Operations Manager - Winery

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Wine staff discounts

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Team lunches

Seasonal bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Operations Manager - Winery in Paarl to oversee day‑to‑day winemaking and cellar operations. The role combines hands‑on cellar work with strategic planning and team management to ensure high‑quality wine production.

The successful candidate will have enology/viticulture expertise, practical winemaking experience, and strong organizational skills. Hybrid work is expected, with physical duties during harvest and close collaboration with the winemaking team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or equivalent in oenology, viticulture, food science, or related field.
• 3–5 years cellar operations or winery management experience required.
• Practical winemaking and cellar management experience.
• Strong understanding of grape-to-bottle production processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily cellar operations including fermentation, racking, blending and bottling.
• Ensure strict quality control and hygiene throughout production.
• Supervise and train cellar staff, fostering a safe, productive environment.
• Coordinate production schedules with harvest projections and winery capacity.
• Manage inventory of wines, raw materials and packaging.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of winery equipment.
• Support vineyard liaison to ensure optimal grape quality at harvest.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Manage operating budgets for cellar and production activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in the winery.
• Assist winemaker with wine analysis and quality assessment.

Skills

Team leadership

Organization

Communication

Wine production

Education

Oenology/ Viticulture degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a family-owned boutique winery in Paarl, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Operations Manager - Winery to oversee the day-to-day running of their winemaking and cellar operations. This role is critical in ensuring the smooth production of high-quality wines, managing resources efficiently, and maintaining operational standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in enology, practical cellar experience, and excellent organizational skills. This hybrid position involves hands‑on work in the cellar during peak seasons, combined with strategic planning and management responsibilities. You will be responsible for managing a small team, coordinating production schedules, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual to take ownership of operations at a respected winery, contributing directly to the quality and success of their wines. The role offers a chance to work closely with the winemaking team and contribute to the estate's ongoing legacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily cellar operations, including fermentation, racking, blending, and bottling processes.
• Ensure adherence to strict quality control and hygiene standards throughout the production cycle.
• Supervise and train cellar staff, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
• Coordinate production schedules based on harvest projections and winery capacity.
• Manage inventory of wines, raw materials, and packaging.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of winery equipment and facilities.
• Assist with vineyard liaison to ensure optimal grape quality at harvest.
• Implement and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage operational budgets for the cellar and production activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the winery.
• Support the winemaker in wine analysis and quality assessment.

Requirements

• Degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Food Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in cellar operations and/or winery management.
• Practical experience in winemaking techniques and cellar management.
• Strong understanding of wine production processes from grape to bottle.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a small team.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and hygiene standards in a food production environment.
• Basic understanding of budget management.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid role, including physically demanding tasks during harvest.
• Good communication skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work with high-quality grapes and produce award-winning wines.
• Generous annual leave and wine purchases at staff rates.
• Potential for professional development and skill enhancement.
• A close-knit and supportive team environment.
• Exposure to all aspects of winery operations.
• Located in a beautiful and scenic wine region.
• Contribution to the growth and success of a respected winery.
• Seasonal bonuses may be applicable.
• Regular team lunches and social gatherings.