Horticultural Operations Manager - Vineyards

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Private health insurance

Retirement contributions

Learning opportunities

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, SA, seeks a seasoned Horticultural Operations Manager to oversee vineyard operations, from planting to harvesting, ensuring premium grape quality. You will supervise a skilled team and apply advanced horticultural practices with regular site visits.

The role combines on-site supervision with remote administrative tasks in a hybrid setup, requiring leadership, Viticulture expertise, and strong planning, compliance, and budgeting capabilities.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• 6+ years of vineyard management or high-value horticultural crop production.
• Proven viticulture expertise in grape management and pruning, soil care, pest/disease control.
• Strong leadership and staff development abilities.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model with on-site supervision and remote admin tasks.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and execute strategic plans for vineyard development and management, including irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, and canopy management.
• Supervise and lead a team of vineyard workers, ensuring efficient workflow, high-quality workmanship, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Monitor vine health, growth, and grape development throughout the season, making timely interventions as needed.
• Manage procurement of supplies, equipment, and materials for vineyard operations.
• Oversee sustainable and organic farming practices where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets the required standards for wine production.
• Maintain accurate records of horticultural activities, including yield data, chemical applications, and labor costs.
• Contribute to the annual budgeting process for vineyard operations.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Team management

Organizational skills

Viticulture knowledge

Regulatory understanding

Educación

Bachelor's in Horticulture/Viticulture/Agriculture

Master's degree (nice to have)

Herramientas

Data management tools

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious viticulture estate situated in the picturesque Pietermaritzburg region of KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, is seeking a seasoned Horticultural Operations Manager to oversee their extensive vineyard operations. This dynamic role requires a blend of horticultural expertise, operational management skills, and a deep understanding of viticulture. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, from planting and cultivation to harvesting and grape quality control, ensuring the production of premium wine grapes. This is a crucial position for maintaining and enhancing the estate's reputation for excellence. You will be directly involved in managing a skilled team and implementing cutting-edge horticultural practices to achieve optimal results. The role involves regular site visits and occasional remote coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for vineyard development and management, including irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, and canopy management.
• Supervise and lead a team of vineyard workers, ensuring efficient workflow, high-quality workmanship, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Monitor vine health, growth, and grape development throughout the season, making timely interventions as needed.
• Manage the procurement of necessary supplies, equipment, and materials for vineyard operations.
• Oversee the implementation of sustainable and organic farming practices where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets the required standards for wine production.
• Maintain accurate records of all horticultural activities, including yield data, chemical applications, and labor costs.
• Contribute to the annual budgeting process for vineyard operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in vineyard management or high-value horticultural crop production, preferably in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Proven expertise in viticulture, including grape varietal selection, pruning techniques, soil management, and pest/disease identification and control.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in relevant horticultural software and data management tools.
• A solid understanding of South African agricultural practices and regulations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule, balancing on-site supervision with remote administrative tasks.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by performance-based incentives and comprehensive benefits, including private health insurance and retirement contributions. You will have access to continuous learning and development opportunities, including industry conferences and specialized training programs. The role provides a unique opportunity to work within a renowned agricultural estate, contributing to the production of exceptional wines. Enjoy a dynamic work environment that blends hands-on management with strategic planning. The hybrid nature of the role allows for a flexible work-life balance. Join our client's esteemed team in the heart of South Africa’s winemaking country.