Senior Vineyard Manager - Sustainable Viticulture

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Work with a prestigious winery

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Vineyard Manager to oversee operations at a prestigious vineyard estate in Midrand, Gauteng. This role blends hands-on management with strategic planning to ensure top quality grape production for premium wines.

You will lead the vineyard team, manage soil, irrigation, pest control, pruning, and harvesting, while maintaining records, ensuring safety, and collaborating with the winemaking team to meet winery specifications.

Qualifications

• A degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive vineyard management experience.
• Strong knowledge of grape varietals, viticulture practices, and terroir.
• Experience with irrigation, soil analysis, and pest/disease management.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans with organic practices.
• Oversee day-to-day vineyard operations: pruning, training, canopy, irrigation.
• Manage pests, diseases, and weeds using sound methods.
• Monitor soil health, nutrients, and water status; adjust as needed.
• Plan and supervise grape harvests for quality and ripeness.
• Lead vineyard staff with training and performance feedback.
• Maintain records of activities, inputs, yields.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to ensure grape quality.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Vineyard management

Irrigation systems

Pest management

Soil analysis

Record-keeping

Team management

Canopy management

Sustainable farming

Education

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

Tools

Vineyard management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a renowned winery seeking an experienced Senior Vineyard Manager to oversee operations at their prestigious vineyard estate in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA. This role requires a blend of hands-on vineyard management and strategic planning to ensure the highest quality grape production for premium wines. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard cultivation, from soil health and irrigation to pest management and harvesting. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for flexibility while maintaining crucial on-site presence to lead the vineyard team effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, focusing on sustainable and organic practices.
• Oversee day-to-day vineyard operations, including pruning, training, canopy management, and irrigation.
• Manage and control pests, diseases, and weeds using environmentally sound methods.
• Monitor soil health, nutrient levels, and water status, making adjustments as needed.
• Plan and supervise grape harvesting operations to ensure optimal fruit quality and ripeness.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, and yields.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets winery specifications.
• Implement and monitor compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• A degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in vineyard management.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals, viticulture practices, and terroir.
• Strong understanding of sustainable and organic farming principles.
• Experience with irrigation systems, soil analysis, and pest/disease management.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping abilities.
• Proficiency in relevant vineyard management software is a plus.
• A passion for quality wine production and a commitment to excellence.

Benefits

• This role comes with a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance-based bonuses.
• Enjoy a hybrid work model that balances on-site responsibilities with personal flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and to work with a respected name in the wine industry are provided.
• The position is based in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA, offering a chance to contribute significantly to the creation of exceptional wines.