Project Manager - Wine and Viticulture

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health insurance options

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a versatile Project Manager for a Stellenbosch-based wine estate. The role oversees vineyard expansion, cellar modernization, tourism development, and sustainable farming projects in a hybrid setup balancing on-site oversight with remote administration.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in PM within agricultural or hospitality sectors, knowledge of viniculture processes, and proficiency with MS Project or Smartsheet.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Viticulture, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• At least 5 years of project management experience in agricultural, food and beverage, or hospitality sectors.

Responsibilities

• Manage diverse projects from conception through completion across vineyard development, cellar upgrades, infrastructure, and marketing.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines and resources.
• Oversee project budgets and cost tracking for accurate forecasting.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors and regulatory bodies.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, quality standards and sustainability practices.
• Conduct site visits to oversee implementation and quality.
• Prepare and present comprehensive project status reports to management.
• Foster clear communication among all project participants.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of project management processes.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Hybrid work coordination

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Viticulture or related field

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate and producer located in the picturesque Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a versatile Project Manager to oversee a variety of initiatives across their operations. This role will encompass projects related to vineyard expansion, cellar modernization, tourism development, and sustainable farming practices. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of project management expertise, a passion for the wine industry, and a strong understanding of agricultural or industrial operations. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring projects, ensuring they align with the estate's strategic goals, quality standards, and commitment to sustainability. This Hybrid role allows for a balance between on-site project oversight and remote administrative tasks, offering flexibility to those based in or near the Stellenbosch region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage diverse projects from conception through to completion, including vineyard development, cellar upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and marketing initiatives.
• Develop detailed project plans, defining scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Oversee project budgets, ensuring cost-effective execution and accurate financial tracking.
• Coordinate with internal teams (viticulture, winemaking, marketing, hospitality) and external stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks and issues, and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations, quality standards, and environmental best practices.
• Conduct regular site visits and inspections to oversee project implementation and quality.
• Prepare and present comprehensive project status reports to management.
• Facilitate effective communication among all project participants.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management processes within the estate.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Viticulture, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, preferably within the agricultural, food and beverage, or hospitality sectors.
• Experience managing projects involving infrastructure, capital investment, or operational improvements.
• Knowledge of wine production processes and vineyard management is a strong asset.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote work.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Passion for the wine industry and commitment to quality and sustainability.
• Located in or willing to commute to Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by benefits such as performance bonuses, health insurance options, and retirement fund contributions. Opportunities for professional development within the premium wine industry are excellent. The Hybrid work model provides a good work-life balance. Employees benefit from being part of a prestigious and beautiful estate, with access to wine tastings and estate events. We foster a culture of excellence and passion. This role offers the unique chance to blend your project management skills with your appreciation for the art and science of winemaking.