Farm Manager with Expertise in Viticulture

Placements24; George; Sur place; ZAR 420 000 - 660 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Housing accommodation

World-class wine region

Professional development

Résumé du poste

Placements24 in the George region of the Western Cape is seeking a hands-on Farm Manager to oversee viticultural operations, leading vineyard teams and applying sustainable farming practices to maximize grape quality and yield.

You will develop pruning and irrigation plans, manage IPM and harvest timing, maintain records, and coordinate with the winery to meet grape specifications. This role offers growth in a world-class wine region and housing options.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in vineyard management and grape production.
• Experience managing viticultural operations for multiple varietals.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of sustainable and organic farming practices for vineyards.
• Experience with records, budgeting, and farm operations.

Responsabilités

• Develop vineyard management plans covering pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Oversee IPM strategies and pest and disease monitoring.
• Manage grape harvesting to ensure quality and timely collection.
• Lead and train a team of vineyard workers with supervision and performance reviews.
• Maintain records of vineyard activities, yields, and costs.
• Collaborate with winemaking teams to meet grape specs.
• Oversee vineyard infrastructure and equipment maintenance.
• Contribute to strategic planning for vineyard development.

Connaissances

Leadership

Pest management

Irrigation systems

Record keeping

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Formation

Degree or Diploma in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agriculture or related field

Description du poste

About the Role Our client, a prestigious wine estate located near George, Western Cape, is seeking an accomplished and passionate Farm Manager to oversee all aspects of their viticultural operations. This role is hands-on and requires a deep understanding of grape cultivation, vineyard management, and sustainable farming techniques specific to the wine industry. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maximizing the quality and yield of grapes while ensuring the long-term health and productivity of the vineyards. This is a critical position that requires strong leadership, excellent organizational skills, and a profound appreciation for winemaking from the vine up. You will be instrumental in maintaining the estate's reputation for producing exceptional wines. The role is based in the beautiful George region, offering a unique lifestyle opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive vineyard management plans, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Oversee pest and disease monitoring and management, implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Manage all aspects of grape harvesting, ensuring optimal fruit quality and timely collection.
• Lead and manage a team of vineyard workers, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, yield data, and operational costs.
• Implement and monitor sustainable and organic farming practices to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with the winery team to ensure grapes meet the required specifications for winemaking.
• Manage vineyard infrastructure, equipment, and machinery, ensuring they are well-maintained and operated efficiently.
• Contribute to strategic planning for vineyard development and expansion.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in vineyard management and grape production, preferably within the South African wine industry.
• Proven experience in managing viticultural operations, including knowledge of different grape varietals and their specific needs.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of viticultural best practices, pest and disease control, and irrigation systems.
• Familiarity with sustainable and organic farming principles in viticulture.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic financial management related to farm operations.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding environment and manage outdoor operations in varying weather conditions.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Accommodation or housing allowance may be provided.
• Opportunity to work in a world-class wine-producing region.
• Access to the estate's facilities and products.
• A role with significant impact on the quality of award-winning wines.
• Continuous professional development opportunities within the wine industry.