Cellar Manager – Winery Operations

About the role

The Cellar Manager will coordinate and manage daily cellar and winery operations, ensuring that production schedules and winemaking priorities are met safely and efficiently. Reporting to the Chief Winemaker, you will lead a hands‑on team in a fast‑paced environment.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize and deliver daily cellar workflow in line with production schedules and winemaking priorities.
• Manage, support and train cellar staff, including hands‑on involvement and roster management.
• Develop and maintain operating and capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets with the Chief Winemaker.
• Review, update and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Oversee the repair and maintenance programme and act as liaison to external contractors.
• Ensure site compliance for wastewater, waste management, council liaison and building Warrant of Fitness (WOF) requirements.
• Manage site services such as water, electricity and gas usage.
• Maintain security controls, housekeeping, cleaning and sanitation of tanks, hoses and equipment.
• Support food‑safety audits and certifications (SWNZ, WSMP, BRC) and uphold traceability and documentation standards.

Required profile

• Proven experience in winery or beverage production environments.
• Hands‑on leadership style with the ability to train and motivate cellar staff.
• Strong organisational skills to plan and prioritize workflow.
• Ability to develop and manage operating and CAPEX budgets.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements for waste, water, safety and food‑safety standards.

Required skills

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) implementation
• Repair and maintenance coordination
• Wastewater and waste management
• Food‑safety compliance (SWNZ, WSMP, BRC)
• Budget development and management