Head Gardener

wine.co.za; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthy team environment

Job summary

wine.co.za is seeking an experienced Garden Manager in Paarl to lead a large horticultural operation. You will oversee staff of ~70, manage irrigation, pest control, and fruit/vegetable production, and drive exceptional guest experiences through workshops and garden presentations.

You will develop landscaping projects, manage budgets, and ensure high standards of horticulture and visitor services. A relevant academic qualification and 10+ years in the field are expected.

Qualifications

• Relevant academic qualification.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in horticulture or agriculture.
• Senior-level garden or agricultural operation management experience.
• Strong leadership with ability to manage and motivate a large, diverse team.
• Sound knowledge of fruit and vegetable production.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and drainage.
• Proven project and contract management experience.
• Understanding of tourism operations and logistical planning.
• Excellent organizational, planning, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Energetic, positive, innovative, and committed to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire the garden team to maintain exceptional standards.
• Manage and support a diverse team of approximately 70 employees.
• Oversee maintenance and efficient use of garden and farm equipment.
• Develop and manage fertilisation and integrated pest management programmes.
• Plan, implement, and monitor irrigation systems to ensure optimal plant growth.
• Lead the development and implementation of new landscaping and garden projects.
• Manage departmental budgets responsibly and efficiently.
• Oversee fruit and vegetable production and ensure high horticultural standards.
• Share horticultural knowledge through workshops and gardening presentations for visitors and teams.
• Contribute to an exceptional visitor experience while continuously improving garden operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budgeting

Irrigation knowledge

Project management

Tourism operations understanding

Planning and organization

Computers

Education

Relevant academic qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description:

• Lead, develop, and inspire the garden team to maintain exceptional standards.
• Manage and support a diverse team of approximately 70 employees.
• Oversee the maintenance and efficient use of garden and farm equipment.
• Develop and manage fertilisation and integrated pest management programmes.
• Plan, implement, and monitor irrigation systems to ensure optimal plant growth.
• Lead the development and implementation of new landscaping and garden projects.
• Manage departmental budgets responsibly and efficiently.
• Oversee fruit and vegetable production and ensure high horticultural standards.
• Share horticultural knowledge through workshops and gardening presentations for visitors and teams.
• Contribute to an exceptional visitor experience while continuously improving garden operations.

Qualifications:

• Relevant academic qualification.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in horticulture or agriculture.
• Proven experience managing a successful garden or agricultural operation at a senior level.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage and motivate a large, diverse team.
• Sound knowledge of fruit and vegetable production.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and drainage.
• Proven project and contract management experience.
• Understanding of tourism operations and logistical planning.
• Excellent organisational, planning, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Energetic, positive, innovative, and committed to continuous improvement.