Operations Manager - Winery Production

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1.000.000 - 1.800.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Access to company wines

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 seeks an experienced Operations Manager for a prestigious Stellenbosch winery in the Western Cape. You will oversee the entire production cycle, from grape intake to bottling, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency while leading cross-functional teams on-site.

The role blends strategic remote planning with hands-on leadership, requiring strong budgeting, regulatory compliance, and a passion for premium wines.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s degree in oenology, viticulture, chemical engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in wine production management with strong winemaking knowledge.

Aufgaben

• Oversee day-to-day winemaking and production operations, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Manage grape sourcing, harvesting, fermentation, maturation, and bottling processes.
• Develop and implement production plans, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.
• Lead and mentor winemaking and production teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and food safety regulations.
• Monitor quality control from vineyard to finished product.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Budgeting

Team management

Quality control

Food safety compliance

Strategic planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Winemaking software

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Oenology or Viticulture

Master's degree desirable

Tools

Winemaking software

MS Office

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious winery in the heart of the winelands, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of their wine production and winemaking processes in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This key leadership role involves managing the entire production cycle, from grape reception and fermentation to bottling and packaging, ensuring the highest quality standards are met. The role requires a strategic thinker with a strong operational background and the ability to manage teams effectively. The hybrid aspect of this role allows for strategic planning and administrative tasks to be conducted remotely, while ensuring crucial on-site oversight of the winemaking and production facilities. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the success of an award-winning winery.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all day-to-day winemaking and production operations, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Manage the grape sourcing, harvesting, fermentation, maturation, and bottling processes.
• Develop and implement production plans, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.
• Lead and mentor the winemaking and production teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and food safety regulations.
• Monitor quality control at all stages of the production process, from vineyard to finished product.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Oversee the maintenance and efficient operation of winery equipment and facilities.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to align production with market demand.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production processes and reduce costs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in wine production management, with a strong understanding of winemaking techniques.
• Proven experience in managing teams and overseeing large-scale production operations.
• In-depth knowledge of quality control systems, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance within the wine industry.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in relevant winemaking software and general office productivity tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• A passion for wine and a commitment to producing exceptional quality products.
• Willingness to be on-site regularly and flexible to adapt to seasonal demands.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional development. The hybrid work model provides flexibility. This position is based in the beautiful region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . Enjoy the chance to work in a world-renowned wine-producing area with a company that values tradition, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Access to company wines and other perks are also included.