Farm Operations Manager - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance near vineyards

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a premium winery near Cape Town to appoint a Farm Operations Manager with a viticulture specialization. You will lead vineyard activities from planting through harvest, driving quality and yield while implementing sustainable farming practices.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Viticulture and at least 8 years of hands-on vineyard management. You will manage a team, budgets, and collaborate with winemakers to meet quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of hands-on vineyard management and viticulture experience.
• Extensive knowledge of grape varietals, vine physiology, soil management, and pest/disease control specific to viticulture.
• Proven experience managing teams and operational budgets within an agricultural setting.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems and sustainable farming practices.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day vineyard operations including pruning, training, pest and disease management, and irrigation.
• Develop vineyard management strategies to maximize grape quality and yield for specific varietals and terroir.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and supervision of vineyard staff for efficient workflow and high performance.
• Monitor vineyard health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, adapting practices to mitigate risks and optimize growth.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with winemakers to ensure timely harvest and satisfy grape quality requirements.

Skills

Viticulture expertise

Team leadership

Budget management

Irrigation systems

Pest and disease control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Farm Operations Manager with a specialization in viticulture to oversee operations in the picturesque wine-growing regions near Cape Town . This role is critical for managing all aspects of vineyard operations, from planting and cultivation to harvesting and yield optimization, with a strong focus on producing high-quality grapes for premium wines. You will lead a dedicated team, implement sustainable farming practices, and ensure the consistent delivery of exceptional produce. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a renowned winery, shaping the future of their vineyards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day vineyard operations, including pruning , training, pest and disease management, and irrigation.
• Develop and implement vineyard management strategies to maximize grape quality and yield, tailored to specific varietals and terroir.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of vineyard staff, ensuring efficient workflow and high performance.
• Monitor vineyard health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, adapting practices as needed to mitigate risks and optimize growth.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with winemakers to understand grape quality requirements and ensure timely harvest.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in vineyard management and viticulture.
• Extensive knowledge of grape varietals, vine physiology, soil management, and pest/disease control specific to viticulture.
• Proven experience in managing teams and operational budgets within an agricultural setting.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems and sustainable farming practices.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance incentives tied to grape yield and quality.
• Subsidized housing or accommodation assistance near the vineyards.
• Health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunity to work within a prestigious wine estate and influence its legacy.