Farm Manager - Coastal Viticulture and Orchards

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Subsidized housing

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Farm Manager to lead viticulture and orchard operations near Mossel Bay. The role combines technical farming expertise with team leadership and financial oversight to drive premium production.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in vineyard/orchard management, strong knowledge of wine grapes or deciduous fruit, and proven ability to optimize irrigation, pest control, soil health, and budgeting.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Viticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of proven experience in managing vineyards and/or orchards.
• Strong knowledge of wine grape varietals and/or deciduous fruit production.
• Experience with irrigation management, pest and disease control strategies, and soil science.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work flexible hours.
• Good communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
• A passion for quality and a commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of vineyard and orchard operations, including planting, pruning, pest and disease control, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement annual farming plans, optimizing resource allocation and production cycles.
• Supervise and lead a diverse team of farm workers, ensuring high productivity and adherence to safety standards.
• Oversee irrigation systems, fertilization programs, and soil health management.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure produce meets premium standards for local and international markets.
• Manage farm equipment and machinery, ensuring proper maintenance and efficient utilization.
• Control operational costs and contribute to budget development and management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, labor laws, and environmental standards.
• Liaise with suppliers, buyers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain.
• Maintain accurate farm records and generate performance reports for management.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Planning

Problem solving

Communication

English

Afrikaans

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Horticulture/Viticulture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned agricultural estate situated near Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Farm Manager to oversee their expanding viticulture and orchard operations. This role demands a blend of technical expertise in fruit and grape cultivation, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to producing premium quality produce. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of farm management, from planning and execution to team supervision and financial oversight, ensuring the continued success and growth of the estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of vineyard and orchard operations, including planting, pruning, pest and disease control, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement annual farming plans, optimizing resource allocation and production cycles.
• Supervise and lead a diverse team of farm workers, ensuring high productivity and adherence to safety standards.
• Oversee irrigation systems, fertilization programs, and soil health management.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure produce meets premium standards for local and international markets.
• Manage farm equipment and machinery, ensuring proper maintenance and efficient utilization.
• Control operational costs and contribute to budget development and management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, labor laws, and environmental standards.
• Liaise with suppliers, buyers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain.
• Maintain accurate farm records and generate performance reports for management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Viticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of proven experience in managing vineyards and/or orchards, preferably in a coastal or similar climate.
• Strong knowledge of wine grape varietals and/or deciduous fruit production.
• Experience with irrigation management, pest and disease control strategies, and soil science.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work flexible hours, including during peak seasons.
• Good communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
• A passion for quality and a commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives.
• Medical aid.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Subsidized housing.

This is an excellent opportunity to manage a prestigious agricultural operation in the scenic Mossel Bay area, contributing to the vibrant agricultural landscape of the Western Cape.