Head of Operations

Lead the operational engine of one of Australia's most distinctive wine businesses.

Hugh Hamilton Wines is a sixth-generation, family-owned McLaren Vale winery with a bold ambition: to build the world's first emotional luxury wine platform. We are a values-driven, direct-to-consumer business with a passionate Black Sheep Club community at our heart, and we are entering our next phase of growth.

We are looking for a commercially minded Head of Operations to own production planning, supply chain, fulfilment and operational performance across the business.

This is a senior leadership role with real commercial accountability, not a warehouse management position. Every decision you make here has a margin consequence, and you will understand that instinctively.

What you will own

Working closely with the CEO, General Manager and leadership team, you will make sure the right wine is in the right place at the right time, protecting the experience our customers and Black Sheep Club members expect.

• Production planning, forecasting and bottling schedule management across multiple sites

• Manage supplier relationships for packaging, dry goods, bottling and freight

• Inventory management and product availability across every channel

• DTC, Black Sheep Club, wholesale and export fulfilment

• Warehouse operations and team leadership

• Management of a team of at least 5-10 people

• Operational systems including Commerce7, Vinsight and MachShip

• Cost management, supplier negotiation and continuous improvement

• Site management, facilities and WH&S compliance

What you bring

You might come from wine, food, premium consumer goods, manufacturing, retail fulfilment or any operationally complex, fulfilment-heavy business. What matters most is your ability to pair commercial thinking with operational discipline.

• Minimum 4-5 years of leadership experience in operations, production, supply chain or fulfilment

• Strong financial acumen across cost analysis, margin management and working capital

• A track record in production planning, inventory management and forecasting

• Proven supplier negotiation with real cost reduction outcomes

• Confidence working with operational data and systems

• A hands-on leadership style built on accountability and initiative

Wine industry experience is highly regarded but not essential. Subscription, membership and DTC backgrounds will be viewed favourably.

What success looks like in your first 12 months

• Stronger production planning and forecasting

• Improved inventory visibility and working capital

• Delivered cost reduction and margin improvement

• Improved supplier performance and operational efficiency

• Greater process consistency and less key-person dependency

• Real support behind the growth of our DTC and Black Sheep Club business

Why Hugh Hamilton Wines

This is a rare chance to shape the future of a proudly independent South Australian business with deep heritage, a distinctive brand and genuine ambition. You will work directly with the leadership group and make a visible impact on where the business goes next.

This role is located onsite at our cellar door and warehouse facilities in the picturesque McLaren Vale.

Australian citizenship is required for this position.

How to apply

Forward your CV and a covering letter detailing:

• Why this role interests you

• The experience that makes you a strong fit

• One operational or commercial improvement you are particularly proud of delivering

Only applications that meet the above requirements will be progressed and will be reviewed as they arrive. Apply early!