Farm Manager - Large-Scale Viticulture Operation

Placements24; Cape Town; Sur place; ZAR 850 000 - 1 100 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

On-site residence

Medical aid

Retirement fund contribution

Generous annual leave

Wine-tasting events

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to lead viticulture operations near Cape Town, Western Cape. The role requires managing all vineyard activities, developing annual plans, and guiding a team of vineyard workers to achieve high-quality grape yield.

This hands-on position emphasizes technical vineyard expertise, strategic planning, and strong people management, with on-site responsibilities in a premium wine estate environment.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years managing vineyards in large-scale operations.
• Knowledge of Western Cape grape varietals and soils is preferred.
• Proven leadership and ability to motivate diverse teams.

Responsabilités

• Oversee all vineyard operations including planting, pruning, trellising, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans and budgets.
• Supervise and train vineyard workers, ensuring safety and productivity.
• Monitor grape growth, maturity and quality, coordinate harvest timing.
• Optimize water usage and vine health through irrigation oversight.
• Apply fertilizers based on soil/leaf analyses and maintain records.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with winemakers to meet varietal requirements for wine production.
• Maintain accurate records of labour, materials and yields; manage equipment upkeep.
• Make sound operational decisions and work on-site independently when needed.

Connaissances

Team leadership

Vineyard management

Grape cultivation expertise

Budgeting

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agriculture

Outils

Irrigation systems

Vineyard machinery

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent wine estate renowned for its premium produce, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Farm Manager to oversee its extensive viticulture operations in the picturesque region near Cape Town, Western Cape. This leadership position requires a comprehensive understanding of grape cultivation, vineyard management, and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will be responsible for maximizing grape quality and yield while ensuring the sustainable and cost-effective management of all vineyard resources. This is a hands-on role that demands a blend of technical expertise, strategic planning, and strong people management skills. The role is based on site, offering a unique opportunity to be deeply involved in the creation of world-class wines from grape to bottle.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, trellising, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans and budgets.
• Supervise and train a team of vineyard workers, ensuring high standards of productivity and safety.
• Monitor grape growth, maturity, and quality, and coordinate timely harvesting.
• Implement and oversee irrigation systems to optimize water usage and vine health.
• Manage the application of fertilizers and soil amendments based on regular soil and leaf analysis.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations within the vineyard.
• Collaborate with winemakers to meet specific grape varietal requirements for wine production.
• Maintain accurate records of all vineyard activities, including labor, materials, and yield data.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of vineyard equipment and machinery.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in managing vineyards, preferably in a large-scale operation.
• Extensive knowledge of grape varietals suited to the Western Cape climate and soil conditions.
• Demonstrated ability in team leadership and motivating diverse workforces.
• Strong understanding of vineyard machinery, irrigation systems, and pest/disease management strategies.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Familiarity with sustainable farming practices and certifications is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic financial management.
• Must be physically capable of performing tasks in an agricultural environment and available for seasonal demands.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual bonus tied to operational performance and grape quality. A fully equipped on-site residence may be provided, along with comprehensive medical aid and a retirement fund contribution. Employees benefit from generous annual leave and opportunities to participate in wine-tasting events and industry workshops. The role offers unparalleled career progression within a respected agricultural enterprise, with direct impact on the final product. This position is vital to the ongoing success of our client's esteemed winery located in the heart of the Western Cape wine region.