Vineyard and Orchard Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Haygrove Ltd

  Redbank, Ledbury, HR8 2JL, England

The Vineyard and Orchard Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering all vineyard and orchard husbandry and harvest operations. The role ensures work is carried out in line with the business's values, quality standards, seasonal timings, and productivity targets, through both hands-on involvement and the effective leadership and supervision of the farm team

Personal attributes:

·     Flexible and adaptable

·     A hands-on, proactive approach with a willingness to lead by example.

·     Calm and decisive under pressure

·     Humble

·     Passion for learning

·     Practical intelligence

 

Responsibilities:

·         Plan and coordinate day-to-day farm operations, including overall farm and workforce management, forecasting seasonal labour requirements, and ensuring appropriate staffing levels are in place throughout the year to meet operational demands efficiently.

·         Manage crop production to achieve quality, yield, and operational targets.

·         Lead, supervise, train, and develop teams of up to 30 employees, including allocating work to team leaders and monitoring performance.

·         Oversee daily husbandry operations and mechanical tractor work (excluding tractor and sprayer maintenance, which is the responsibility of the Machinery Manager).

·         Work closely with the Machinery Manager to ensure spraying and mechanical operations are completed efficiently and to the required standard.

·         Manage all key seasonal operations, including planting, pruning, grubbing, harvesting, and picking, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards.

·         Conduct regular agronomy inspections with visiting advisors, monitoring crop health, pest and disease pressures, and implementing appropriate management strategies.

·         Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and general farm care across fields, uncropped areas, packaging facilities, storage areas, and all operational facilities (excluding the tractor shed and chemical store), while identifying and delivering ongoing maintenance and improvement projects.

·         Monitor and maintain cold storage facilities to ensure optimum product quality.

·         Work closely with agronomists, technical advisors, contractors, and suppliers to support farm operations.

·         Liaise with the winemaker to ensure vineyard practices consistently achieve target fruit quality for wine production.

·         Conduct vineyard and winery tours and tastings for visitors and stakeholders.

·         Provide assistance with wine and cider production, including pressing operations, as required.

·         Ensure compliance with all on-site health and safety requirements.

·         Manage food safety, labour standards, and environmental compliance systems, maintaining accurate documentation and records.

·         Conduct internal audits on behalf of Redbank Farm and implement any required corrective actions.

·         Prepare and distribute reports covering seasonal performance, harvest results, plantings, yields, quality analysis, pest and disease monitoring, and research trials.

·         Plan and carry out field trials to improve crop quality, efficiency, and production practices.

·         Coordinate the establishment of new vineyards and orchards.

·         Operate agricultural machinery, including tractors for spraying and cultivation work, and forklifts for packing and storage operations.

·         Maintain and repair vineyard trellis and crop support systems.

·         Procure farm supplies, equipment, and materials, managing purchasing activities and supplier relationships.

·         Support farm budgeting, financial administration, and accounting processes.

·         Market and sell grapes to wineries, providing technical information and maintaining strong relationships with winemakers.

·         Work with Worldwide Fruit to market apple production.

·         Organise logistics and transport for apples and grapes to customers and processors throughout the UK

·     Support the wider fruit business beyond Redbank Farm as opportunities arise.

·     Ability to deal with others with a high level of emotional intelligence

Skills and experience:

Essential

·     Experience managing commercial farming, horticultural, vineyard, or orchard operations.

·     Strong leadership and people management skills

·     Good knowledge of crop production, agronomy, and pest and disease management.

·     Experience operating agricultural machinery and equipment.

·     Understanding of health and safety, food safety, and compliance requirements.

·     Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

·     Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

·     Experience in vineyard and/or orchard management.

·     Agricultural or horticultural qualification.

·     Relevant machinery or pesticide application certificates (e.g. PA1/PA2, forklift, telehandler).

·     Experience with quality assurance, audits, and farm compliance systems.

·     Knowledge of wine production or the fresh produce industry,

About us:

Our vineyard at Redbank Farm produces 1276 Wines, and our land is more than soil, it's the soul of our craft. In 1276, the Bishop of Hereford recorded in his 'Red Book' the planting of vines on the south facing slopes of Ledbury. These early, ecclesiastical vines marked the beginning of a long and remarkable connection between the land that we now care for, and fantastic wines. Nestled in Herefordshire's rolling hills, our 25-acre vineyard is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and excellence. 

Our land doesn't just grow grapes; it nurtures a vision where every vine tells a story of responsibility, community, and passion for the planet. 

Embracing the Triple Bottom Line philosophy of People, Planet, and Profit, and as proud members of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain, we continually seek innovative ways to minimise our impact, from eco-conscious packaging to energy-efficient winery designs.

1276 Wines is home to a small team who are united by passion and commitment. 

Led by the expertise of Head Winemaker Laurence Cocking  we share one unwavering goal: to produce the very best of British wines, both still and sparkling.

Redbank Farm also grows the best of British Apples.

 

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