Vineyard & Farm Operations Manager – Housing Included

Dante Personnel Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Overberg Test Range; On-site; ZAR 355,000 - 426,000; Full time

Job summary

Dante Personnel Recruitment (Pty) Ltd presents a Farm and Vineyards Manager role in Stellenbosch, offering R35 000 CTC plus housing. The position requires leading vineyard operations and a skilled team.

Applicants should have 5+ years on operating vineyards, knowledge of winemaking processes, and fluency in English and Afrikaans. The role emphasizes safety, sustainability, and strong organisational skills.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 plus a qualification in Winemaking, Oenology and Viticulture, or an agricultural degree/diploma.
• Minimum 5 years experience on an operating farm with vineyards.
• Technical knowledge of farm and vineyard machinery and winemaking processes.
• Proven experience managing and leading a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach.
• Computer literacy.
• Willingness to work overtime when operational needs require it.
• Fluency in English and Afrikaans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, contractors, and clients.
• Oversee all vineyard operations — planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Monitor vine health and growth, applying best practice to maximise grape quality and yield.
• Develop and maintain soil health programmes in line with sustainability and environmental goals.
• Plan and implement seasonal and annual vineyard programmes aligned with the farm's objectives.
• Lead, train, and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews, with a strong focus on safety and teamwork.
• Supervise the workforce during peak periods such as harvest, ensuring efficient and safe execution.
• Champion sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and responsible pest management, in line with certifications such as WIETA and Fairtrade.
• Ensure vineyard and farm equipment — tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems — is properly maintained and safety-compliant.
• Plan and oversee general property maintenance and repairs across both estates, within budget.
• Manage security measures across the farms and liaise with service providers.
• Maintain accurate records for compliance, audits, and general administration.
• Support promotional activities, farm tours, and tastings, working with the sales and marketing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations — planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Monitor vine health and growth, applying best practice to maximise grape quality and yield.
• Develop and maintain soil health programmes in line with sustainability and environmental goals.
• Plan and implement seasonal and annual vineyard programmes aligned with the farm's objectives.
• Lead, train, and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews.
• Supervise the workforce during peak periods such as harvest, ensuring efficient and safe execution.
• Champion sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and responsible pest management, in line with WIETA and Fairtrade.
• Ensure vineyard and farm equipment is properly maintained and safety-compliant.
• Plan and oversee general property maintenance and repairs across both estates, within budget.
• Manage security measures across the farms and liaise with service providers.
• Maintain accurate records for compliance, audits, and general administration.
• Support promotional activities, farm tours, and tastings, working with sales and marketing teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Hands-on

English fluency

Afrikaans fluency

Computer literacy

Overtime willingness

Communication

Staff management

Education

Grade 12 + Winemaking / Oenology / Viticulture qualification or agricultural degree/diploma

Tools

Machinery knowledge

Viticulture equipment

Job description

Dante Personnel Recruitment (Pty) Ltd presents a Farm and Vineyards Manager role in Stellenbosch, offering R35 000 CTC plus housing. The position requires leading vineyard operations and a skilled team.

Applicants should have 5+ years on operating vineyards, knowledge of winemaking processes, and fluency in English and Afrikaans. The role emphasizes safety, sustainability, and strong organisational skills.