Horticultural Operations Manager - Vineyard Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Presencial; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical aid

Pension fund

Housing options on or near estate

Professional development

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Horticultural Operations Manager with viticulture expertise near Cape Town, Western Cape. The role directs vineyard management from soil preparation to harvest, focusing on quality, sustainability, and terroir-driven wine production.

You will lead staff, optimize growth, monitor vineyard health with sensors, and collaborate with the winemaking team to align grape production with desired wine styles.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive viticulture and vineyard management experience.
• Knowledge of Cape Town region grape varietals and terroir.
• Experience with sustainable and organic viticulture practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficiency with vineyard management software and data reporting.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans across planting, pruning, irrigation, and canopy control.
• Oversee grape cultivation to achieve optimal ripeness and sugar/acid balance for winemaking.
• Manage pest, disease, and weed control using IPM and sustainable practices.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff, ensuring safety and high-quality execution.
• Monitor vineyard health and environmental conditions with sensors and tech.
• Plan and manage grape harvests for peak quality.
• Collaborate with winery team to align grape production with wine styles.
• Manage budgets, resources, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities and yields.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Data analysis

Reporting

Vineyard software

Educación

Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or related field

Herramientas

Vineyard management software

Data analysis tools

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate situated near Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Horticultural Operations Manager with a specialization in viticulture. This leadership position is crucial for overseeing all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and vine cultivation to grape harvesting and quality control. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in wine grape production, a deep understanding of terroir, and a commitment to sustainable viticultural practices. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality of grapes are produced to meet the estate's winemaking standards. This role requires a hands-on approach, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for producing premium wines. The position offers the unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of one of the region's most prestigious wine producers, working with cutting-edge viticultural techniques in a stunning environment. You will be directly involved in shaping the future quality and output of the estate's renowned vineyards, ensuring optimal growth and yield.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, including planting, pruning, trellising, irrigation, and canopy management.
• Oversee all aspects of grape cultivation, focusing on achieving optimal ripeness, flavor profiles, and sugar/acid balance for winemaking.
• Manage pest, disease, and weed control using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and sustainable practices.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff, ensuring efficient work practices, adherence to safety standards, and high-quality execution of tasks.
• Monitor vineyard health and environmental conditions (weather, soil moisture) using relevant technologies and sensors.
• Plan and manage grape harvesting operations, ensuring timely and efficient collection of fruit at peak quality.
• Collaborate closely with the winery's winemaking team to align grape production with desired wine styles.
• Manage vineyard budgets, resources, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, yield data, and quality assessments.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in viticulture and vineyard management, preferably within the South African wine industry.
• In-depth knowledge of different grape varietals suitable for the Cape Town region, their cultivation requirements, and winemaking potential.
• Proven experience with sustainable and organic viticultural practices.
• Strong understanding of vineyard pest and disease management.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software, data analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially during peak seasons (pruning, harvest).
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including a performance-based incentive scheme tied to grape quality and yield. Our client provides comprehensive medical aid, a pension fund, and subsidized housing options on or near the estate. Opportunities for professional development, including specialized viticulture courses and international study tours, are available. You will be part of a prestigious wine-producing estate with a commitment to excellence and innovation in winemaking and viticulture. The role provides a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, surrounded by world-class vineyards and passionate professionals dedicated to producing exceptional wines.