Senior Vineyard Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized housing or housing support

Health, dental and retirement benefits

Opportunities for international travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Vineyard Manager for a prestigious Stellenbosch wine estate in the Western Cape. You will oversee all vineyard operations, lead a team, implement IPM, optimize irrigation, and collaborate with winemaking to ensure grape quality.

The role blends hands-on supervision with remote strategic planning in a hybrid arrangement. Requirements include a Master’s or PhD in Viticulture or related field, 10+ years in vineyard management, and deep knowledge of South African

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Viticulture, Oenology, Agronomy, or related field.
• At least 10 years of vineyard management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of SA grape varietals and Stellenbosch terroirs.
• Expertise in canopy management, pest & disease control, and irrigation.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience with farm management software and data analysis.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including peak seasons.
• Able to balance remote strategic work with on-site operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, establishment and management of vineyards including varietal selection.
• Develop vineyard plans focusing on quality, yield and sustainability.
• Manage pruning, trellising, shoot thinning, leaf removal, and cluster thinning.
• Implement IPM programs adapting to local conditions.
• Manage irrigation systems for vine hydration and water efficiency.
• Supervise and mentor vineyard workers with safety standards.
• Monitor soil health and nutrient levels; fertilization strategies.
• Oversee harvest operations and grape quality meeting winery specs.
• Maintain detailed records of activities, yields and costs.
• Stay current with viticulture research and technology.
• Collaborate with winery team to align grape quality with winemaking goals.

Skills

Vineyard management

IPM programs

Irrigation management

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Viticulture or related field

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Farm management software

GIS / Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate renowned for its award-winning wines, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Vineyard Manager to lead their viticultural operations in the heart of the renowned Stellenbosch, Western Cape wine region. This crucial role demands a blend of scientific knowledge, practical expertise, and strong leadership to manage a significant vineyard portfolio. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and vine planting to canopy management, pest and disease control, and the meticulous harvesting of premium wine grapes. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for strategic planning and administrative tasks to be conducted remotely, while requiring significant on-site presence for hands‑on management and supervision. The goal is to ensure the highest quality of grapes for exceptional wine production.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, establishment, and management of vineyards, including varietal selection and vineyard design.
• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, focusing on quality, yield optimization, and sustainability.
• Manage all vineyard activities, including pruning, trellising, shoot thinning, leaf removal, and cluster thinning.
• Implement and monitor integrated pest and disease management (IPM) programs, adapting to local vineyard conditions and climate changes.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal vine hydration and water efficiency.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of vineyard workers, ensuring high standards of workmanship and safety.
• Monitor soil health and nutrient levels, applying appropriate fertilization strategies.
• Oversee harvest operations, coordinating logistics and ensuring grape quality meets winery specifications.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, yields, and costs.
• Stay current with the latest research and technological advancements in viticulture.
• Collaborate closely with the winery team to ensure grape quality aligns with winemaking objectives.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Oenology, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in vineyard management, with a strong focus on producing premium wine grapes.
• In-depth knowledge of South African grape varietals and their suitability for specific terroirs within Stellenbosch .
• Proven expertise in canopy management, pest and disease control, and irrigation strategies for vineyards.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Experience with farm management software and data analysis for vineyard optimization.
• A passion for wine and a deep understanding of the interplay between vineyard practices and wine quality.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including extended hours during peak seasons.
• Proficiency in managing hybrid work dynamics, balancing remote strategic tasks with essential on-site operations.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R .
• Performance-based bonuses linked to grape quality and yield.
• Subsidized housing or attractive housing allowance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for international travel to wine industry events and research institutions.
• Generous annual leave.
• Access to estate facilities and wine tastings.
• Direct influence on the creation of world-class wines.