Farm Manager - Viticulture and Cellar Operations

Placements24; Stellenbosch Local Municipality; Vor Ort; ZAR 1.000.000 - 1.600.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Accommodation

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is assisting a distinguished wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape, to recruit an experienced Farm Manager to oversee both vineyards and cellar operations on site.

The successful candidate will bring a degree in Viticulture/Oenology or Agriculture, 8+ years in vineyard and cellar roles, strong leadership and budgeting abilities, and a practical, data-driven approach to optimize grape quality, fermentation, aging, and ultimately wine quality.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Agriculture or related field.
• 8+ years of combined experience in vineyard management and cellar operations.
• Proficiency in vineyard and cellar management software.
• Strong leadership and budget management skills.

Aufgaben

• Develop and implement strategic plans for vineyard management to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Oversee viticultural practices: pruning, canopy management, pests, irrigation, harvesting.
• Manage winemaking process from grape reception to bottling and aging.
• Ensure adherence to quality control throughout vineyard and cellar operations.
• Lead vineyard and cellar staff with training, supervision and safety.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, grape analysis, fermentation data, and wine stock.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales on wine styles, production volumes and quality.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Budgeting

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Team management

Wine industry knowledge

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Agriculture

Tools

Vineyard management software

Cellar management software

Fermentation monitoring systems

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and visionary Farm Manager to oversee both its extensive vineyards and its state-of-the-art cellar operations. This dual-responsibility role requires a leader with a comprehensive understanding of viticulture, grape quality management, and the intricacies of winemaking. The Farm Manager will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality grape production, managing all vineyard activities, and overseeing the winemaking process from grape reception to finished product. The ideal candidate possesses a unique blend of agricultural expertise and enological knowledge, coupled with strong leadership and operational management skills. This is a critical on-site position demanding a proactive approach to ensure the estate produces exceptional wines year after year.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for vineyard management to optimize grape quality and yield, considering varietal characteristics and market trends.
• Oversee all viticultural practices, including pruning, canopy management, pest and disease control, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Manage the entire winemaking process, from grape reception, fermentation, aging, blending, to bottling.
• Ensure adherence to stringent quality control measures throughout the vineyard and cellar operations.
• Manage cellar staff, providing training, supervision, and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Oversee vineyard staff, ensuring efficient execution of all farming tasks.
• Manage cellar equipment, maintenance, and hygiene protocols.
• Develop and manage operational budgets for both vineyard and cellar, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, grape analysis, fermentation data, and wine stock.
• Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams regarding wine styles, production volumes, and quality expectations.

Requirements

• A degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Advanced degrees or certifications in winemaking are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of combined experience in vineyard management and cellar operations, with a proven track record of producing high-quality wines.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals suited to the Paarl region and the principles of modern winemaking.
• Strong understanding of cellar hygiene, fermentation processes, and wine aging techniques.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard and cellar management software.
• Familiarity with South African wine industry regulations.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, potential for performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, a provident fund, and accommodation.