Farm and Vineyards Manager

Dante Personnel; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Dante Personnel invites applications for a senior vineyard operations manager. You will oversee all vineyard operations — planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting — while leading a team and ensuring safety and productivity on two estates.

The role emphasises sustainability, soil health programmes, staff training, performance reviews, and compliance with WIETA and Fairtrade standards, with strong stakeholder collaboration with sales and marketing.

Qualifications

• Must have a qualification in Winemaking, Oenology and Viticulture, or an agricultural degree/diploma.
• Minimum 5 years experience on an operating farm with vineyards.
• Technical knowledge of farm and vineyard machinery and winemaking processes.
• Proven experience managing and leading a team.
• Fluency in English and Afrikaans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with staff, contractors, and clients.
• Oversee all vineyard operations — planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Monitor vine health and growth, applying best practice to maximise grape quality and yield.
• Plan and implement seasonal and annual vineyard programmes aligned with the farm's objectives.
• Lead, train, and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews, with a focus on safety and teamwork.
• Champion sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and responsible pest management, in line with WIETA and Fairtrade.
• Ensure vineyard and farm equipment is properly maintained and safety-compliant.
• Plan and oversee general property maintenance and repairs across both estates, within budget.
• Maintain accurate records for compliance, audits, and general administration.
• Support promotional activities, farm tours, and tastings, working with sales and marketing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations — planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Lead, train, and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews, with a strong focus on safety and teamwork.
• Monitor vine health and growth, applying best practice to maximise grape quality and yield.
• Develop and maintain soil health programmes in line with sustainability and environmental goals.
• Plan and implement seasonal and annual vineyard programmes aligned with the farm's objectives.
• Champion sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and responsible pest management, in line with WIETA and Fairtrade.
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained and safety-compliant; manage security measures and liaise with service providers.
• Plan and oversee general property maintenance and repairs across both estates, within budget.

Job description

Minimum requirements:

• Grade 12, plus a qualification in Winemaking, Oenology and Viticulture, or an agricultural degree/diploma
• Minimum 5 years experience working on an operating farm with vineyards
• Technical knowledge of farm and vineyard machinery and winemaking processes
• Proven experience managing and leading a team
• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on, practical approach
• Computer literacy
• Willingness to work overtime when operational needs require it
• Fluency in English and Afrikaans
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, contractors, and clients
• Oversee all vineyard operations — planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting
• Monitor vine health and growth, applying best practice to maximise grape quality and yield
• Develop and maintain soil health programmes in line with sustainability and environmental goals
• Plan and implement seasonal and annual vineyard programmes aligned with the farm's objectives
• Lead, train, and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews, with a strong focus
  on safety and teamwork
• Supervise the workforce during peak periods such as harvest, ensuring efficient and safe execution
• Champion sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and responsible pest management,
  in line with certifications such as WIETA and Fairtrade
• Ensure vineyard and farm equipment — tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems — is properly maintained
  and safety-compliant
• Plan and oversee general property maintenance and repairs across both estates, within budget
• Manage security measures across the farms and liaise with service providers
• Maintain accurate records for compliance, audits, and general administration
• Support promotional activities, farm tours, and tastings, working with the sales and marketing teams