Farm & Vineyard Manager

Craven Cottage CC; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC in Stellenbosch seeks a seasoned Vineyard Operations Manager to oversee planting, pruning, irrigation and harvesting while leading a dedicated team. You will monitor vine health, drive soil health programmes and implement seasonal plans aligned with farm objectives.

You will champion sustainable farming practices, manage equipment maintenance, and coordinate with sales/marketing for farm tours and promotions, ensuring safety and compliance across both estates.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 required.
• Qualification in Winemaking, Oenology and Viticulture, or an agricultural degree/diploma.
• Minimum 5 years' experience on an operating vineyard/farm.
• Technical knowledge of farm and vineyard machinery and winemaking processes.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on approach.
• Fluency in English and Afrikaans; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work overtime when required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations including planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control and harvesting.
• Monitor vine health and growth, applying best practices to maximise quality and yield.
• Develop and maintain soil health programmes aligned with sustainability goals.
• Plan and implement seasonal and annual vineyard programmes with farm objectives.
• Lead, train, and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews; ensure safety and teamwork.
• Supervise workforce during peak periods such as harvest for efficiency and safety.
• Champion sustainable farming practices including water conservation and pest management per WIETA and Fairtrade.
• Ensure tractors, harvesters and irrigation systems are maintained and safe.
• Plan and oversee general property maintenance and repairs within budget across estates.
• Manage security measures across farms and liaise with service providers.
• Maintain accurate records for compliance, audits and administration.
• Support promotional activities, farm tours and tastings with sales/marketing teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Communication

Fluency in English

Fluency in Afrikaans

Hands-on approach

Education

Grade 12

Winemaking/Oenology/Viticulture or agricultural degree

Tools

Farm machinery knowledge

Job description

Duties:

• Oversee all vineyard operations planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting


• Monitor vine health and growth, applying best practice to maximise grape quality and yield


• Develop and maintain soil health programmes in line with sustainability and environmental goals


• Plan and implement seasonal and annual vineyard programmes aligned with the farm's objectives


• Lead, train, and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews, with a strong focus on safety and teamwork


• Supervise the workforce during peak periods such as harvest, ensuring efficient and safe execution


• Champion sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and responsible pest management, in line with certifications such as WIETA and Fairtrade


• Ensure vineyard and farm equipment tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems is properly maintained and safety-compliant


• Plan and oversee general property maintenance and repairs across both estates, within budget


• Manage security measures across the farms and liaise with service providers


• Maintain accurate records for compliance, audits, and general administration


• Support promotional activities, farm tours, and tastings, working with the sales and marketing teams

Requirements:

• Grade 12


• Qualification in Winemaking, Oenology and Viticulture, or an agricultural degree/diploma


• Minimum 5 years' experience working on an operating farm with vineyards


• Technical knowledge of farm and vineyard machinery and winemaking processes


• Proven experience managing and leading a team


• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on, practical approach


• Computer literacy


• Willingness to work overtime when operational needs require it


• Fluency in English and Afrikaans


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, contractors, and clients