Operations Manager - Winery

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 on behalf of a prestigious winery in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks an Operations Manager to oversee end-to-end winery operations including production, bottling, logistics, and quality assurance.

The role requires a strong background in viticulture and oenology, proven leadership, and budget oversight to drive efficient, compliant, and sustainable production within a legacy winemaking program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in winery operations management or senior wine-industry role.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production, quality control, cellar management and bottling.
• Collaborate with vineyard managers for harvest planning.
• Guide winemaking processes from fermentation to maturation.
• Develop and manage the winery budget and resource allocation.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop the winery operations team.
• Monitor production schedules and timely product delivery.
• Stay abreast of new winemaking technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

Quality control

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture or Oenology or Agricultural Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious and historic winery located in the renowned Upington, Northern Cape wine region, is seeking a highly capable and experienced Operations Manager. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end operations of the winery, from vineyard management liaison and harvest logistics to winemaking processes, bottling, and distribution. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in viticulture, oenology, and operational management, coupled with exceptional leadership and financial acumen. You will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient, sustainable, and high-quality production of the winery's esteemed wines, while managing resources effectively and adhering to strict quality and safety standards. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a legacy brand and shape the future of winemaking in this significant South African wine-producing area. Your expertise will ensure the continued success and reputation of Our client's exceptional wine portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of winery operations, including production, quality control, cellar management, and bottling.
• Collaborate with vineyard managers to ensure optimal grape quality and harvest planning.
• Manage winemaking processes, from fermentation to maturation, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
• Develop and manage the winery budget, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee inventory management of raw materials, finished goods, and packaging.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and external service providers.
• Lead and develop the winery operations team, fostering a culture of efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Monitor production schedules and ensure timely delivery of products.
• Implement and maintain quality assurance programs throughout the production cycle.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in winemaking and operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in winery operations management or a senior role within the wine industry.