Viticulturist
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Plumpton Green, East Sussex,
England
Job Title: Viticulturist (full-time)
Reports To: Head of Vineyard Establishment
Works with: Vineyard Services team members, Retail team members, Vineyard Labour team members and clients
Host Employer: VineWorks
Grade: Band (managers):
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To deliver outstanding services to our vineyard establishment and management clients, with a particular focus on the design, planting and installation of vineyards. Assist the Head of Vineyard Establishment in running of the department and provide leadership to vineyard managers, supervisors in collaboration with the vineyard services department.
ABOUT VINEWORKS
VineWorks was established in 2006 by James Dodson, Chief Executive Officer, and is based in Plumpton Green, East Sussex.
At VineWorks, we believe that quality wine starts on the vine. We are cool climate specialists supporting vineyards across the UK with all their viticultural needs to ensure they produce amazing wines in a sustainable and profitable way.
Since its inception, VineWorks has established hundreds of vineyards across the UK, and currently services over 90 sites.
We are a rapidly expanding company navigating an ever-changing landscape shaped by post-pandemic and post-Brexit challenges.
The corporate values that weave through all aspects of our business are: quality, expert, dependable, forward-thinking, innovative, sustainable and customer-focused.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Work closely with the Head of Vineyard Establishment & Head of Vineyard Services on managing and developing their departments to achieve agreed performance targets relating to the company’s business plan.
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Assist with the continual development of environmental, sustainable and regenerative practices in VineWorks’ product offering and skills/knowledge of the wider team.
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Provide input as required with the continuous evolution and improvement of the vineyard management packages and viticultural suitability reports.
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Manage other viticulturists as assigned and vineyard supervisors with the agreed performance targets and monitor progress.
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Effectively supervise and coordinate trellis team members in duties and performance, setting targets and providing feedback where necessary to the Head of Vineyard Services to ensure installations are completed to a high standard and on budget.
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Generation of viticultural suitability reports (collection of soil samples and compiling of soil and climatic analysis), dealing with the resulting queries and developing site specific action plans in readiness for a successful planting.
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Liaise at regular intervals with the business support officer and vineyard services staff to ensure staff are maintaining an accurate, efficient schedule of work.
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Attend regular departmental meetings as required to provide regular, detailed progress reports.
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Manage multiple vineyard sites providing high quality support and services to our clients to continually improve vineyard performance.
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Recording of vineyard data and generation of vineyard management reports and preparation of vineyard estimations and layouts.
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Resolve and advise on problems and issues that occur.
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Forecast and calculate labour resources required for all vineyard activities for vineyard management clients
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Assist the Head of Vineyard Establishment with the organisation and implementation of the planting schedule and its timely execution during the planting season.
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Manage timing and specification of each vineyard activity and inform clients, third party contractors or in house support of the specification and timing of the vineyard activity required for purposes of scheduling and liaise accordingly. Quality control of these jobs to ensure they are completed to specification and within timeframes provided.
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Assist and support other viticulturists and vineyard supervisors to maintain and build existing and future business.
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Train members of the viticulture services/establishment department where required in company standards, policies and protocol.
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Maintain and prepare budget management reports required for both clients and the vineyard services and vineyard establishment departments.
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Support any internal/external research trials and development projects that the department is involved in, for example new products, techniques or machinery.
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To attend, with due notice, occasional out-of-hours events/tradeshows (e.g., evenings and weekends) as may be appropriate to the role.
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To actively engage with industry-wide networking events/committees/development groups to build VineWorks’ reputation as an industry leader.
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To undertake other duties and tasks that may reasonably be required (such as tractor operations).
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Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, including the proper use of equipment, protective gear and adherence to safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
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Deliver exceptional customer service by promptly addressing clients enquiries, maintaining a professional demeanor, and ensuring a positive and personalised experience.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Experience/ Knowledge
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Eligibility to work in the UK
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Thorough understanding of viticulture/horticulture principles.
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Experience working in cool climate viticulture
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Experience operating farm/vineyard machinery with
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Demonstrable experience managing teams and individuals.
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Demonstrable experience managing budgets, especially in relation to profitability and income generation.
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Willingness to learn and embrace new ways of approaching viticulture.
Skills
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Full, clean driving licence
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Strong mechanical and practical aptitude.
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Strong numeracy skills, especially around setting and monitoring targets.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to work with people both within and outside the organisation.
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Excellent research skills and attention to detail.
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Proven organisational and administrative skills with an ability to prioritise, work to tight timescales and deliver work on time and within budget.
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Ability to work under pressure, independently and be self-motivated.
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Ability to work flexibly within a team and adjust to changing priorities.
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Excellent ICT skills including Microsoft Office, email, internet and databases.
Desirable
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Strong leadership skills, especially around developing and implementing strategy.
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Knowledge and interest in environmentally sustainable agricultural practices
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Excellent presentation skills
How To Apply
To apply for the role please submit a CV and covering to Chris Buckley via email:
[email protected]Closing date for applications is 31.01.25
