Vineyard and Cellar Operations Manager

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid and retirement plan

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a hands-on Vineyard and Cellar Operations Manager in Upington, Northern Cape. You will oversee all vineyard activities and cellar operations, ensuring quality from grape to bottle while leading operational teams.

The role requires deep viticulture and winemaking expertise, strong leadership, and a passion for producing high-quality wines. Flexibility during harvest and tight production windows is essential, with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• A degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or related field.
• Min 8 years combined vineyard and cellar experience, preferably in SA.
• Knowledge of Northern Cape viticulture and water management.
• Strong leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with cellar management software and standard office apps.

Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard operations: planting, pruning, pest/disease control, irrigation, harvesting.
• Oversee cellar operations: fermentation, aging, blending, bottling.
• Ensure strict quality control throughout production from grape reception to finished product.
• Lead and train vineyard and cellar staff, fostering excellence and safety.
• Develop and manage budgets for vineyard and cellar activities.
• Maintain equipment in optimal condition and manage inventory of inputs.
• Collaborate with winemaker to achieve target wine styles and quality.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and food safety regulations.
• Drive innovations and efficiency improvements in vineyard and cellar practices.

Skills

Viticulture

Oenology

Leadership

Budgeting

Quality control

Education

Degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Agriculture

Tools

Cellar management software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prestigious wine producer situated in the renowned Upington, Northern Cape wine-growing region, is seeking a highly skilled Vineyard and Cellar Operations Manager. This integral role requires a candidate with comprehensive expertise in both viticulture and winemaking processes, ensuring the seamless transition from grape cultivation to the production of exceptional wines. The successful individual will be responsible for overseeing all vineyard activities, managing cellar operations, ensuring quality control throughout the production chain, and leading the operational teams. This is a crucial position for a hands-on professional passionate about quality wine production.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, pest and disease management, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Oversee cellar operations, including fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling processes.
• Ensure adherence to stringent quality control measures at every stage of production, from grape reception to finished product.
• Lead, train, and manage vineyard and cellar staff, fostering a culture of excellence and safety.
• Develop and manage operational budgets for both vineyard and cellar activities.
• Maintain and ensure the optimal functioning of vineyard equipment and cellar machinery.
• Collaborate with the winemaker and viticulturist to achieve desired wine styles and quality target
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and food safety regulations.
• Manage inventory of grapes, wine, and cellar supplies.
• Contribute to innovation and efficiency improvements in both vineyard and cellar practices.

Requirements

• A degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or a related field. Post-graduate qualifications are advantageous.
• A minimum of 8 years of combined experience in vineyard management and cellar operations, preferably within the South African wine industry.
• In-depth knowledge of viticultural practices suited to the Northern Cape region, including water management.
• Strong understanding of modern winemaking techniques, fermentation, and maturation processes.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in cellar management software and standard office applications.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to work flexible hours, especially during harvest and critical production periods.
• Good communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
• A passion for producing high-quality wines and a commitment to operational excellence.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience, including performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits plan covering medical aid and retirement contributions. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead operations at a significant wine estate in the productive Upington region, contributing to the reputation of the Northern Cape as a key wine-producing area.