Production Manager - Wine & Spirits Manufacturing

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

World-class production techniques

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Production Manager for a premier winery and spirits producer in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will oversee winemaking, distilling, blending, and bottling, drive production schedules, and ensure strict quality and safety standards while managing costs and leading a high-performance team.

You will collaborate across viticulture, cellar, and sales to align production with harvest yields and market demand, maintaining equipment readiness and pursuing

Qualifications

• University degree in Viticulture & Oenology, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of production management experience in wine or spirits.
• Proven expertise in fermentation, distillation, maturation, and bottling.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and HACCP.
• Demonstrated leadership, team development, and budget management.
• Excellent communication and financial acumen.
• Willingness to reside in or relocate to Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Oversee winemaking, distilling, blending, and bottling operations.
• Develop production schedules to meet demand and optimize resources.
• Ensure compliance with quality, food safety, and environmental policies.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
• Lead and develop the production team, promoting safety and excellence.
• Monitor costs, identify variances, and implement cost-saving measures.
• Coordinate with viticulture, cellar, and sales to align with harvest yields.
• Maintain equipment and ensure facility readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement in the production department.
• Ensure compliance with SA liquor production and export regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Quality management

HACCP knowledge

Team development

Fermentation & distillation knowledge

Education

Degree in Viticulture & Oenology, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field

Tools

Production planning software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious winery and spirits producer located in the scenic Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Production Manager. This pivotal role oversees all aspects of the winemaking and distilling production processes, ensuring the highest quality of products while optimizing operational efficiency and managing costs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in beverage production, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of fermentation, distillation, and bottling processes. This is a unique opportunity to lead production in one of South Africa's premier beverage regions, upholding a legacy of quality and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all day-to-day production operations, including winemaking, distilling, blending, and bottling.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet demand and optimize resource utilization.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality control standards, food safety regulations (HACCP), and environmental policies.
• Oversee inventory management of raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the production team, fostering a culture of excellence and safety.
• Monitor production costs, identify variances, and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with the viticulture, cellar, and sales teams to align production with market demands and harvest yields.
• Manage equipment maintenance and ensure operational readiness of the production facility.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the production department.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African liquor production and export regulations.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture & Oenology, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in production management within the wine or spirits industry.
• Proven expertise in fermentation, distillation, maturation, and bottling processes.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and food safety standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Proficiency in production planning software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to the Stellenbosch, Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund.
• This role is office and site-based within the Stellenbosch, Western Cape production facility.
• Employees enjoy opportunities for professional growth, exposure to world-class production techniques, and the chance to work within a globally recognized brand.
• The scenic location provides an excellent work-life balance.