Senior Project Manager - Wine Industry Operations

Placements24; Paarl; Sur place; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Performance bonuses

Medical aid & retirement fund

Wine industry training

Product discounts and estate visits

Career advancement

Dynamic work environment

Résumé du poste

Placements24 represents a prestigious winery group seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead operational improvements and expansion projects across winemaking and viticulture divisions in the Western Cape.

You will manage capital and operational projects from initiation to completion, drive efficiency, quality, and sustainability, and collaborate with winemakers, viticulturists, and technical teams on cellar upgrades, vineyard development, and supply chain enhancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Viticulture, Oenology, or related field.
• 8+ years' project management experience, preferably in wine/beverage industries.
• Proven ability to manage complex capital/operational projects from initiation to completion.
• Knowledge of winemaking processes, fermentation, bottling and QC standards.

Responsabilités

• Lead planning and execution of projects to enhance winemaking ops, vineyard mgmt, and supply chain efficiencies.
• Manage scope, budgets, timelines, and resources; ensure delivery of objectives.
• Collaborate with winemakers, viticulturists, ops managers, and technical teams to define requirements and solutions.
• Oversee implementation of new technologies in cellars, vineyards, and distribution channels.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments with mitigation plans.
• Manage external suppliers, contractors, and consultants.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality standards, and environmental best practices.
• Monitor progress and report to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within operations.

Connaissances

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Continuous improvement

Formation

Bachelors in Engineering or related field

Advanced degree or certification

Outils

MS Project

Smartsheet

ERP systems

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious winery group with operations spanning the renowned Paarl, Western Cape region, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Project Manager to oversee operational improvements and expansion projects within their winemaking and viticulture divisions. This role is critical for driving efficiency, quality, and sustainability across their diverse portfolio. You will manage projects ranging from cellar upgrades and vineyard development to supply chain optimization and new product launches. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in operations management, supply chain, or engineering, ideally with specific experience in the wine or beverage industry. A deep understanding of winemaking processes and viticulture is highly valued. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the legacy and future success of a leading wine producer.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of key projects focused on enhancing winemaking operations, vineyard management, and supply chain efficiencies.
• Manage project scope, budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring successful and timely delivery of project objectives.
• Collaborate with winemakers, viticulturists, operations managers, and technical teams to define project requirements and solutions.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and methodologies in cellars, vineyards, and distribution channels.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for proposed projects, developing mitigation plans.
• Manage external suppliers, contractors, and consultants involved in project execution.
• Ensure projects comply with quality standards, food safety regulations, and environmental best practices relevant to the Western Cape wine industry.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular updates and reports to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within operational areas.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial), Operations Management, Viticulture, Oenology, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications are a plus.
• A minimum of 8 years of project management experience, with a strong preference for experience within the wine, spirits, or beverage production industries.
• Proven ability to manage complex operational and capital projects from initiation to completion.
• Solid understanding of winemaking processes, fermentation, bottling, and quality control standards.
• Knowledge of vineyard management techniques, irrigation, and viticultural practices.
• Experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and ERP systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on-site in Paarl and travel to various estates within the Western Cape.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized wine industry training.
• Work on impactful projects within one of South Africa's most renowned wine regions in Paarl.
• Potential for employee product discounts and estate visits.
• Career advancement opportunities within a leading wine group.
• A dynamic and passionate work environment.