Project Manager - Winery Operations & Technology

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Annual bonus

Wine club & employee discounts

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Professional development & industry培训

Exposure to Western Cape wine region

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Project Manager at a prestigious Stellenbosch winery. The role blends on-site winery work with remote flexibility, leading operational enhancements and technology integration projects across vineyard to bottle and hospitality areas.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's degree in a related field and 6+ years of project management experience within food & beverage, agriculture, or hospitality, with strong stakeholder and vendor management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, preferably in food & beverage production, agriculture, or hospitality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from initiation to completion.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, supply chain, and technology implementation.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans for operational improvements and technology implementations within the winery, from vineyard to bottle and cellar door.
• Coordinate project activities with Viticulture, Winemaking, Cellar Operations, Marketing, and Hospitality.
• Manage project budgets, track expenses, and ensure projects are completed within financial parameters.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of new technologies, software, and equipment relevant to winery operations.
• Ensure projects adhere to quality standards, food safety regulations, and sustainability practices.
• Facilitate communication among project teams, stakeholders, and external vendors, providing regular progress updates.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure successful delivery of contracted services and products.
• Conduct post-project evaluations and document lessons learned for future reference.
• Contribute to strategic planning by identifying opportunities for process optimization and innovation.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Operations

Wine industry knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree (Business Administration / Operations / Engineering / Agricultural Science)

Tools

MS Project

Asana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious winery located in the scenic **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, is seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Project Manager to oversee operational enhancements and technology integration projects. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining on-site involvement at the winery with the flexibility of remote work. You will be responsible for managing a diverse range of projects, including vineyard management system upgrades, winemaking process optimization, cellar modernization, and the implementation of new hospitality technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of project management expertise, an understanding of agricultural or production environments, and a passion for the wine industry. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the continued success and innovation of a renowned South African wine estate in the beautiful **Stellenbosch** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans for operational improvements and technology implementations within the winery, from vineyard to bottle and cellar door.
• Coordinate project activities with various departments, including Viticulture, Winemaking, Cellar Operations, Marketing, and Hospitality.
• Manage project budgets, track expenses, and ensure projects are completed within financial parameters.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of new technologies, software, and equipment relevant to winery operations.
• Ensure projects adhere to quality standards, food safety regulations, and sustainability practices.
• Facilitate communication among project teams, stakeholders, and external vendors, providing regular progress updates.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure successful delivery of contracted services and products.
• Conduct post-project evaluations and document lessons learned for future reference.
• Contribute to strategic planning by identifying opportunities for process optimization and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, with a preference for experience in food and beverage production, agriculture, or hospitality industries.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from initiation to completion.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, supply chain, and technology implementation.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana) and standard office applications.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Familiarity with the wine industry is a significant advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment and travel to the **Stellenbosch** site regularly.
• Passion for quality, innovation, and sustainable practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.
• Participation in the company's wine club and employee discounts.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry-specific training.
• Exposure to unique projects within the renowned **Western Cape** wine region.
• A beautiful working environment and a passionate team.
• Potential for career growth within the estate's operations.
• Annual bonus based on performance.