Harvester Manager jobs

Key Responsibilities:

Vineyard Management:

 Undertake all vineyard operations, including spraying, pruning, canopy management, and harvest.

 Supervise and manage seasonal labour, ensuring tasks are performed efficiently and safely.

 Maintain and repair vineyard trellis, manage vine replacement and plant health.

 Develop and implement vineyard work programs, including frost protection, spray programs, and canopy management.

 Train vineyard staff and ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental compliance.

 Coordinate and oversee ground maintenance, pest control, and other agricultural projects.

Winemaking:

 Manage all aspects of winemaking, from grape processing, press operation, racking, and fermentation to bottling, labelling, and disgorging (for sparkling wine).

 Perform routine wine analysis, maintain cellar equipment, and manage barrel work and maintenance.

 Ensure safe and efficient operation of winery equipment, including forklifts and presses.

 Maintain accurate records for all winery activities, ensuring compliance with legal and best practice standards.

 Collaborate with the winemaking consultant to implement technical experiments to improve wine quality.

 Ensure proper sanitation and maintenance of equipment and winery facilities.

 Supervise and train seasonal cellar staff, fostering a strong team environment.

Harvest and Seasonal Support:

 Coordinate and oversee the grape harvest, managing logistics and picking crews.

 Work extended hours during harvest (September - November) and bottling periods.

 Lead the winemaking team in all aspects of the harvest and post-harvest processing.

Qualifications and Skills:

Essential:

 You must have an existing right to work in the UK – visa sponsorship is not an option.

 Experience as an Assistant Winemaker or Vineyard Manager with supervisory experience.

 Competent tractor driver

 A BSc in Viticulture & Oenology (or equivalent qualification), or significant hands-on experience in cool climate vineyard management.

 PA1 and PA3 & 6 spray certifications.

 Proven passion for viticulture and winemaking.

 Strong practical skills and proactive problem-solving approach.

 Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 25kgs and working at height and in confined spaces.

 Comfortable working in various weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors.

 Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.

 Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

 Forklift experience and valid license.

 Full, clean UK Driver’s Licence with trailer licence

 A flexible, can-do attitude, especially during peak periods like harvest and bottling.

Desirable:

 Experience with both still and sparkling wine production.

 Additional qualifications such as lab experience, WSET, etc.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an eight year old vineyard with a well equipped and working winery on site with the support and guidance of a renowned consultant and vineyard owner to drive the business forward in the future.

Full details will be given in confidence to those short listed for the role.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Housing allowance
• On-site parking

Experience:

• Assistant Winemaker or Vineyard Manager: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person