Horticultural Manager - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Medical aid and hospitalization

Annual leave and professional dev.

Relocation support

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a dedicated Horticultural Manager specialized in Viticulture to lead our celebrated vineyards near Cape Town. You will oversee all vine production cycles, promote sustainable practices, and guide a team of vineyard workers to achieve premium quality grapes.

The role requires extensive experience in cool-climate viticulture, irrigation and soil management, pest control, and collaboration with winemaking teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years vineyard management experience with focus on viticulture.
• Experience growing premium wine grape varietals for Western Cape.
• Strong knowledge of cool-climate viticulture, frost protection, canopy management.
• Experience leading teams in agricultural settings.
• Knowledge of irrigation scheduling, water conservation, and soil analysis.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., or similar quality systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours in Cape Town area.

Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard operations from planting to harvesting.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Oversee soil health, nutrient management, and irrigation systems.
• Implement IPM pest, disease, and weed control programs.
• Lead and train vineyard staff with focus on safety.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections and record-keeping.
• Stay updated with viticulture and winemaking research.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet quality requirements.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation.

Skills

Vineyard management

Team leadership

IPM

Water management

Soil management

Canopy management

Pest and disease control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Irrigation scheduling software

Soil analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and expert Horticultural Manager with a specialization in Viticulture to oversee their renowned vineyards near **Cape Town, Western Cape**. This critical role involves the strategic management and cultivation of premium grape varietals, ensuring the highest quality for award-winning wines. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of grape growing cycles, soil management, canopy management, pest and disease control specific to vineyards, and water management in a Mediterranean climate. You will be responsible for leading a team of vineyard workers, implementing sustainable viticultural practices, and driving innovation in grape production. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the quality and success of a prestigious wine estate in the **Western Cape**. Your passion for viticulture and commitment to excellence will be at the forefront of our client's operations. We are looking for a forward-thinking leader who can blend traditional expertise with modern techniques to produce exceptional grapes in the unique **Cape Town** terroir. The role requires hands-on management and a deep understanding of vineyard ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of vineyard operations, from planting and pruning to harvesting.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Oversee soil health, nutrient management, and irrigation systems tailored for grapevines.
• Implement and monitor pest, disease, and weed control programs using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Manage and train vineyard staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety standards.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections and record-keeping for monitoring growth, health, and productivity.
• Stay current with the latest research and technologies in viticulture and winemaking.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grapes meet specific quality requirements.
• Manage vineyard budgets and resource allocation effectively.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.

A Master's degree is highly preferred.

At least 10 years of experience in vineyard management, with a significant focus on viticulture.

Demonstrated expertise in growing premium wine grape varietals suitable for the **Western Cape** region.

Strong understanding of cool-climate viticulture, including frost protection and canopy management.

Proven experience in leading and managing teams in an agricultural setting.

Knowledge of irrigation scheduling, water conservation techniques, and soil analysis.

Familiarity with HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., or similar quality management systems.

Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.

Ability to work effectively in both a team and independent setting.

Valid driver's license and willingness to work flexible hours during peak seasons in **Cape Town** and surrounding vineyard areas.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, reflective of the senior nature of this role, along with performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, including hospitalization and preventative care, is provided.
• A generous annual leave policy and opportunities for professional development, including international wine industry congresses, are available.
• Accommodation or a housing allowance may be provided.
• Access to state-of-the‑art vineyard equipment and research facilities.
• A strong retirement fund contribution.
• A chance to work with a globally recognized brand in the wine industry.
• Opportunities for advancement within a prestigious agricultural group.
• Relocation support for candidates moving to the **Cape Town** area.