Senior Vineyard Manager - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Prestigious vineyards

Tech-enabled vineyard

Beautiful region

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay is seeking a Senior Vineyard Manager to lead premium vineyards with a hands-on, sustainability-focused approach. You will oversee pruning, canopy management, irrigation, pest control, harvest planning, and staff development, ensuring vine health and grape quality for award-winning wines.

You will collaborate with winemakers, manage budgets, and drive safe, efficient operations while staying ahead of viticulture innovations in a scenic coastal region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in vineyard management.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, climate influences, and pest/disease management.
• Experience with sustainable or organic vineyard practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily vineyard operations: pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Develop and implement pest, disease, and weed control strategies; prioritize sustainable methods.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and grape development throughout the season.
• Plan and execute grape harvest ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff; foster safety and excellence.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of vineyard equipment and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with winemakers to meet quality standards for wine production.
• Manage vineyard budgets, track expenses, and optimize resource use.
• Stay updated on viticulture advancements and implement best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Outdoor work capacity

Education

Bachelor’s in Viticulture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned winery in the heart of the winemaking region, is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior Vineyard Manager to oversee their premium vineyards. This is a crucial role focused on ensuring the highest quality grape production through expert viticultural practices. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, from soil health and vine care to pest control and harvest planning. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of viticulture, soil science, and sustainable vineyard management techniques. This position requires a hands‑on approach and a passion for producing exceptional grapes that form the foundation of award‑winning wines. You will be working in a beautiful location, contributing directly to the legacy of fine winemaking.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all daily operations within the vineyards, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Develop and implement strategies for pest, disease, and weed control, prioritizing sustainable and organic methods.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and grape development throughout the growing season.
• Plan and execute the grape harvest, ensuring optimal fruit quality and timely delivery.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff, fostering a culture of safety and excellence.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of vineyard equipment and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with winemakers to ensure grape quality meets the required standards for wine production.
• Manage vineyard budgets, track expenses, and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in viticulture and implement best practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in vineyard management.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, climate influences, and pest/disease management specific to viticulture.
• Proven experience with sustainable or organic vineyard practices.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining vineyard equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding outdoor environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package reflecting your extensive experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to manage prestigious vineyards and contribute to high-quality wine production.
• Access to state-of-the-art viticultural technology and equipment.
• Work in a beautiful and scenic wine-producing region.
• Opportunities for professional development and knowledge sharing within the wine industry.
• Contribution to a respected and established winery.