Farm & Vineyards Manager - Stellenbosch

HotelJobs; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a hands-on Farm & Vineyards Manager to run the day-to-day operations of vineyards and farms near Stellenbosch. The role requires thriving outdoors, and the ability to lead a team through pruning to harvest while maintaining quality, safety, and sustainability.

You will manage vine health, soil health, equipment maintenance, and ensure compliance with ethical standards across estates, including WIETA and Fairtrade.

Qualifications

• Requires Grade 12 or higher with winemaking/oenology/viticulture emphasis or related agricultural degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience on a vineyard-operating farm.
• Technical knowledge of farm and vineyard machinery and winemaking processes.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on approach.
• Computer literacy is essential.
• Willingness to work overtime when needed.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations including planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Monitor vine health and growth to maximize grape quality and yield.
• Develop soil health programmes aligned with sustainability goals.
• Plan seasonal and annual vineyard programmes.
• Lead and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews, with safety focus.
• Supervise workforce during peak periods such as harvest.
• Promote sustainable farming, water conservation, and pest management per WIETA and Fairtrade.
• Ensure equipment and tractors are maintained and safe to operate.
• Plan and oversee property maintenance and repairs within budget.
• Manage security and liaise with service providers.
• Maintain accurate compliance and audit records.
• Support promotional activities, farm tours, and tastings with sales/marketing teams.

Skills

Team Leadership

Vineyard Management

Agriculture Knowledge

Fluency in English

Fluency in Afrikaans

Problem Solving

Computer Literacy

Education

Winemaking/Oenology/Viticulture degree

Grade 12

Tools

Farm machinery knowledge

Equipment maintenance

Job description

Wine Estates based close to Stellenbosch is looking for a hands-on Farm & Vineyards Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day running of the vineyards and farms. This is a role for someone who thrives outdoors ; knows vineyards i nside and out, and can lead a team through the full seasonal cycle from pruning to harvest while keeping quality; safety, and sustainability front of mind. You'll be responsible for everything from vine health and soil management to staff leadership; equipment upkeep ; and compliance with ethical and environmental standards across estates.

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