Hybrid Vineyard & Viticulture Lead

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Retirement contributions

Learning opportunities

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 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.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Organizational skills

Viticulture knowledge

Regulatory understanding

Education

Bachelor's in Horticulture/Viticulture/Agriculture

Master's degree (nice to have)

Tools

Data management tools

Job description

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.