Vineyard Operations Supervisor

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff housing

Performance bonuses

Learning from winemakers

Wine region experience

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Vineyard Operations Supervisor to lead the viticulture team at a renowned wine estate near Cape Town. You will oversee pruning, canopy management, pest control, and harvesting, ensuring best practices and high grape quality.

The role requires 5+ years in vineyard management, strong leadership, and knowledge of grape varietals, soil science, and sustainable farming. Staff development and collaboration with winemakers are essential.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in vineyard management and supervision.
• Knowledge of grape varietals, soil science, and pest/disease control in viticulture.
• Experience with irrigation systems and vineyard machinery operation and maintenance.
• Strong ability to lead, train, and motivate a seasonal workforce.
• Familiarity with sustainable and organic viticulture is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily vineyard staff activities including pruning, training, irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.
• Implement vineyard management plans to ensure grape quality and yield with sustainable practices.
• Operate and maintain tractors, sprayers, and harvesting equipment; ensure safety standards.
• Inspect vines regularly for health and development; intervene as needed.
• Coordinate resources such as water, nutrients, and labor to optimize efficiency and cost.
• Collaborate with winemaker to align viticulture with wine styles and quality goals.

Skills

Leadership

Viticulture

Pest control

Irrigation

Team supervision

Education

Diploma or degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agriculture

Tools

Irrigation systems

Vineyard machinery

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks an experienced Vineyard Operations Supervisor to lead the viticulture team for their renowned wine estate near Cape Town . This role is crucial for maintaining the exceptional quality of grapes that form the foundation of their award-winning wines. You will be responsible for the supervision of all vineyard activities, ensuring that best practices in viticulture are followed from pruning and canopy management to pest control and harvesting. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of horticultural knowledge, practical vineyard experience, and strong leadership skills to guide a dedicated team in the beautiful Western Cape landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of vineyard staff, including pruning, training, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease management.
• Implement and monitor vineyard management plans to ensure optimal grape quality and yield, adhering to sustainable practices.
• Operate and maintain vineyard equipment, including tractors, sprayers, and harvesting machinery, ensuring safety standards are met.
• Conduct regular inspections of vines to assess plant health, grape development, and identify potential issues requiring intervention.
• Manage vineyard resources, including water, nutrients, and labor, optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the winemaker to align vineyard practices with desired wine styles and quality objectives.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in vineyard management and supervision.
• Proven knowledge of grape varietals, soil science, and pest/disease control specific to viticulture.
• Experience with irrigation systems and vineyard machinery operation and maintenance.
• Strong ability to lead, train, and motivate a seasonal workforce.
• Familiarity with sustainable and organic farming principles in viticulture is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses related to grape quality and yield.
• Access to staff housing or a housing allowance.
• Opportunities to learn from seasoned winemakers and viticulturists.
• Experience working in a world-renowned wine-producing region.