Senior Project Manager - Winery Operations & Expansion

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Health benefits

Professional development

Wine estate experiences

Flexible hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a prestigious wine estate in Stellenbosch to recruit a Senior Project Manager. The role oversees winery infrastructure, vineyard development, and equipment upgrades, balancing on-site supervision with remote strategic planning.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in project management within agricultural, food & beverage, or wine industries, with strong budgeting, timelines, and cross-functional leadership. Hybrid work arrangements are offered.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of project management experience in operational or capital projects.
• Experience in agricultural, food & beverage, or wine industry is preferred.
• Budget, timeline, and cross-functional team management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and completion of winery operations and expansion projects.
• Define scopes, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resources.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation for cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with internal teams (winemaking, viticulture, operations) and external stakeholders.
• Oversee procurement and installation of new winemaking equipment and infrastructure.
• Oversee vineyard development projects including land prep, planting, irrigation.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, environmental regulations, and quality control.
• Develop and implement risk management plans; communicate progress to senior management.
• Conduct post-project reviews to identify improvements.

Skills

Project management

Hybrid work

Stakeholder coordination

Budgets

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Engineering/Business Administration

Tools

MS Project

Asana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate renowned for its quality produce, is seeking a highly organized and experienced Senior Project Manager to oversee critical operational and expansion projects within their Stellenbosch, Western Cape facilities. This role is essential for managing the development and enhancement of winery infrastructure, vineyard development, processing equipment upgrades, and related operational improvements. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of project management expertise, a keen understanding of agricultural or viticulture operations, and a passion for the wine industry. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and innovation of a leading wine producer, balancing on-site project oversight with remote strategic planning and coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of winery operations and expansion projects.
• Define project scopes, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Manage project budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation.
• Coordinate with internal teams (winemaking, viticulture, operations) and external stakeholders (suppliers, contractors, regulatory bodies).
• Oversee the procurement and installation of new winemaking equipment and infrastructure.
• Manage vineyard development projects, including land preparation, planting, and irrigation systems.
• Ensure projects comply with food safety standards, environmental regulations, and quality control protocols.
• Develop and implement risk management plans to mitigate potential project challenges.
• Communicate project progress, updates, and outcomes to senior management and relevant parties.
• Conduct post-project reviews to evaluate success and identify areas for improvement.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of project management experience, with a proven track record in operational or capital projects, ideally within the agricultural, food & beverage, or wine industry.
• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in viticulture or oenology is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, timelines, and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of winemaking processes, vineyard management, and associated infrastructure is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site supervision with remote planning.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to the Stellenbosch, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Health and wellness benefits.
• Generous opportunities for professional development within the wine industry.
• Access to unique experiences within a renowned wine estate.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.