Farm Manager - Vineyards

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Health benefits

Professional development

Access to viticultural tech

Flexible remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Manager specializing in vineyard operations to join a renowned wine estate on a remote-first basis. You will oversee viticulture from soil health to harvest, collaborating with viticulturists, winemakers, and a dispersed team to optimize grape production.

The role emphasizes sustainable farming, data-driven decisions, budgeting, and compliance. You will develop annual operating plans, monitor vine growth, manage pest and disease control, coordinate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of vineyard management experience.
• Proven expertise in viticulture, including cool and warm climate grape growing.
• Strong understanding of vine physiology, soil science, and pest/disease management in vineyards.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management in viticulture.
• Proficiency in using farm management software and data analysis tools for vineyard monitoring.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage remote teams effectively and foster a collaborative spirit.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, trellising, and canopy management.
• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans to optimize grape yield and quality.
• Manage soil health and fertility, including soil testing and nutrient application strategies.
• Monitor vine health, identify and manage pests, diseases, and weed infestations using integrated strategies.
• Coordinate harvesting operations, ensuring timely and efficient grape collection at optimal ripeness.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Develop and manage the vineyard's annual operating budget, controlling costs and maximizing efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of vineyard activities, inputs, yields, and quality assessments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with winemakers to ensure grapes meet the required specifications for wine production.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Remote team management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture / Agronomy / Horticulture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dedicated Farm Manager with a specialization in vineyard operations to join their esteemed wine estate, operating on a fully remote basis. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of viticulture, from soil management and vine health to grape harvesting and quality control. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of vineyard management, ensuring optimal grape production for high-quality wine. You will work closely with viticulturists, winemakers, and a remote team of vineyard staff to implement sustainable and efficient farming practices. Key responsibilities include developing annual operational plans, managing budgets, monitoring vine growth, and coordinating pest and disease management. This position demands strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, all within a remote-first framework. You will leverage technology for monitoring, reporting, and decision-making, ensuring the vineyard's success from afar. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute to a renowned wine-producing estate, driving excellence in viticulture while enjoying the flexibility of a remote work arrangement. We are committed to fostering a productive and collaborative environment where your expertise in vineyard management can flourish, contributing significantly to the estate's renowned quality and reputation. The role offers the chance to make a substantial impact on the viticultural success of the estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, trellising, and canopy management.
• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans to optimize grape yield and quality.
• Manage soil health and fertility, including soil testing and nutrient application strategies.
• Monitor vine health, identify and manage pests, diseases, and weed infestations using integrated strategies.
• Coordinate harvesting operations, ensuring timely and efficient grape collection at optimal ripeness.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Develop and manage the vineyard's annual operating budget, controlling costs and maximizing efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of vineyard activities, inputs, yields, and quality assessments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with winemakers to ensure grapes meet the required specifications for wine production.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in vineyard management.
• Proven expertise in viticultural practices, including cool and warm climate grape growing.
• Strong understanding of vine physiology, soil science, and pest/disease management in vineyards.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management in viticulture.
• Proficiency in using farm management software and data analysis tools for vineyard monitoring.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage remote teams effectively and foster a collaborative spirit.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Access to advanced viticultural technologies and research.
• Flexible remote work arrangement.
• A role within a highly respected and award-winning wine estate.