Senior Project Manager - Wine Industry Operations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Estate visits & product discounts

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 in the Western Cape is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee operational improvements and expansion projects across winemaking and viticulture. You will manage cellar upgrades, vineyard development, supply chain initiatives and new product launches to drive efficiency, quality and sustainability across the portfolio.

The role requires a technical background in engineering, operations or similar, 8+ years of project management experience in wine/beverage environments, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; advanced degrees a plus.
• 8+ years of project management experience in wine/beverage industries.
• Proven ability to manage complex capital projects end-to-end.
• Solid knowledge of winemaking processes, fermentation, bottling and QC.
• Experience with ERP systems and PM software.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of projects to enhance winemaking operations, vineyard management, and supply chain efficiency.
• Manage scope, budgets, timelines and resources for on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with winemakers, viticulturists, ops managers and tech teams.
• Oversee implementation of new tech in cellars, vineyards and distribution.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments with mitigations.
• Manage external suppliers, contractors and consultants.
• Ensure compliance with quality, food safety and environmental standards for the Western Cape wine industry.
• Monitor progress and report to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement across operations.

Skills

Project management

MS Project

Smartsheet

ERP systems

Wine industry

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

ERP systems

Job description

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.