Vineyard Manager - Premium Wine Estates

Placements24; Paarl; Híbrido; ZAR 600.000 - 900.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Subsidized accommodation

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, invites an experienced Vineyard Manager to lead premium wine grape production in the Cape Winelands. This hybrid role blends remote strategic planning with on-site vineyard oversight.

You will manage canopy, irrigation, IPM, mentor a team, and work closely with the winemaker to uphold quality standards across the vineyard.

Formación

• Degree or diploma in viticulture or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in vineyard management for premium wine grape production.
• Strong leadership and ability to manage remote and on-site tasks.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee all vineyard operations including canopy and cluster management.
• Develop vineyard management plans emphasising sustainability and quality.
• Manage irrigation, fertilization, IPM strategies.
• Lead and train vineyard workers and supervise teams.
• Collaborate with winemaker to meet quality targets.
• Maintain records of inputs, yields and quality assessments.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety and labour regulations.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Strategic planning

Educación

Viticulture degree / related

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished producer of premium wines, is seeking an accomplished Vineyard Manager to lead their esteemed vineyards located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, near Paarl, Western Cape. This role is vital for maintaining and enhancing the exceptional quality of their grape production, which forms the foundation of their award-winning wines. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of viticulture, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of terroir. This hybrid role allows for strategic planning and administrative work remotely, complemented by essential on-site management and oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard operations, including vineyard establishment, canopy management, shoot thinning, leaf removal, and cluster thinning.
• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, focusing on sustainable practices and optimal grape quality.
• Manage irrigation schedules, fertilization programs, and integrated pest and disease management strategies.
• Lead, train, and supervise a team of vineyard workers, ensuring efficient and effective execution of tasks.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, making timely adjustments to management practices.
• Manage the logistics of grape harvesting, ensuring quality is maintained from vineyard to winery.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, yields, and quality assessments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including environmental, safety, and labor laws.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaker to understand quality requirements and grape characteristics.
• Manage vineyard budgets, control costs, and contribute to operational efficiency.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Viticulture, Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in vineyard management, with a strong focus on premium wine grape production.
• In-depth knowledge of various grape varietals, rootstocks, and clonal selections suitable for the region.
• Proven experience with irrigation management, soil health, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Ability to plan and execute tasks effectively, both remotely and on-site.
• Familiarity with modern viticultural equipment and techniques.
• Understanding of South African wine industry regulations and quality standards.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape region.
• A passion for wine and a commitment to producing exceptional grapes.

Benefits

• medical aid
• retirement fund contributions
• potential for subsidized accommodation

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to manage exceptional vineyards in the renowned Paarl region, a hub for South African winemaking, offering a dynamic hybrid work environment.