Assistant Farm Manager | La Residence

The Royal Portfolio; Franschhoek; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel group in Franschhoek is seeking an Assistant Farm Manager to oversee the estate's vineyards and gardens. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in maintaining a high-end estate, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of local fruit and wine production. Excellent communication in English is required. A valid work permit is essential for non-South African citizens.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience managing maintenance of a high-end estate, preferably for luxury hotel.
• Proven track record of leading a team.
• Excellent verbal communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Farm team in maintaining vineyards and gardens.
• Contribute to profitability through quality produce.
• Create and maintain a positive working environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Knowledge of local fruit and wine production

Basic computer skills

Education

Matric certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Project management tools (Trello, Asana)

Job description

Located in the winelands of Franschhoek, La Residence is set within productive vineyards and orchards, which the Assistant Farm Manager will be jointly responsible for. From maximising the productivity of the estate in order to supply the hotel with fruit, vegetables, eggs, herbs and flowers, to overseeing the maintenance of the hotel gardens and the estate at large. The gardens at La Residence play a very important role in ensuring that we live up to our purpose, which is "to give our guests a complete experience and a perfect stay".

Main duties & responsibilities

• Manage the Farm team in carrying out the duties to maintain, develop and care for: Vineyards, fruit and olive trees and vegetables / Lawns, hedges, shrubs, flower beds, trees / The rose garden and greenhouse / Irrigation / Fire Safety / Equipment and assets / Roads and pathways / Animals
• Contribute to the profitability of the hotel through increased production and quality of produce for the hotel Kitchen and Housekeeping teams
• Build a happy, motivated and effective Farm team
• Create and maintain a positive working environment for the team
• Ensure adequate rostering is done to ensure maximum efficiency of team
• Bring any HR issues to the attention of the HR Manager
• Ensure that guest environment is respected at all times. Always be welcoming, friendly and courteous when encountering guests. Ensure strictest confidentiality with regards to guest information.

Requirements, qualifications & expectations

• Matric certificate
• Valid Drivers license
• 5+ years experience managing the maintenance of a high-end estate, preferably for a luxury hotel
• Knowledge of local fruit and wine production and industry
• Proven track record of leading a team
• Basic computer skills an advantage (Word, Excel, Outlook, a Project Management tool such as Trello, Planner or Asana would be advantageous)
• Excellent verbal communication in English as well as reading and writing

It is important that the candidate is able to work as part of a team and is a good cultural fit for The Royal Portfolio. South African citizenship is advantageous. A valid work permit is essential if you are not in possession of a South African ID document. Please note it is a condition of employment, that all staff undergo a pre-employment polygraph test.