Farm Manager - Table Grapes (GL3803)
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
The Lucas Group Pty Ltd
Mildura & Murray,
Victoria
Company
Our client purchased this 117-hectare table grape operation close to Mildura, in late 2020. The vineyard is currently 71-hectare planted with Crimson and Menindee varieties. The majority of the crop is sold into export markets with approximately 40% sold in domestic markets.
The strategic plan is to remove the public varieties and replant with private varieties over the next 2 years to improve quality and optimise the vineyard’s performance.
The company is committed to developing this property into a premier table grape asset. The company seeks to appoint a Table Grape Manager with sound experience, a passion for the industry and the drive to make this strategy a reality.
Position
The Table Grape Manager is responsible for the development and efficient production of the vineyard, ensuring yield and quality targets are achieved.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with senior management to ensure compliance with the WHS framework
- Develop 12 month operational and farm plan and monitor budget vs actual
- Ownership & accountability for annual harvest process
- Optimise fruit quality & yield
- Oversee packing shed operations to ensure product harvested is packed and refrigerated on a timely basis
- Lead the operational team including staff, contractors and casuals
- Establish irrigation schedule and monitor water/power use
- Monitor vineyard health and apply chemicals and fertiliser as required
- Develop a maintenance schedule for plant and equipment
Skills and Experience
- Experience in table grape or large-scale vineyard operations
- Freshcare, HARPS, SEDEX & Export certifications
- Competence with irrigation, fertigation and water management
- Business acumen and experience with budgeting and cost management
- Team leadership skills
- Experience working with WHS frameworks
- Excellent communication and report writing skills
- Experience with negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution
- Sound computer literacy with spreadsheets and management software
- Mechanical aptitude
Qualifications
- Relevant qualifications in Viticulture/Horticulture
- Chemical Handling Certificate
- Ability to drive a forklift and tractor desirable
Remuneration
An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated to reflect skills and experience.
Please note, applicants must have full rights to work in Australia, sponsorship is not available for this role.
The Lucas Group
The Lucas Group is dedicated to providing the agricultural industries with HR consultancy, executive search and recruitment services. As Australia’s premier agribusiness recruitment agency, we search regionally, nationally and globally to identify highly skilled candidates who possess passion and aptitude for the agribusiness industries.
You can find out more about us here: www.lucasgroup.com.au