Vineyard Manager

The Vineyard Manager is an integral position within the team, they will be responsible for all aspects of viticulture and the vineyard crew. The successful candidate will work very closely with the winery team to ensure a seamlessly integrated approach to growing and winemaking is achieved.

This position oversees day-to-day vineyard operations with an emphasis on quality, work planning, safety, data management, and equipment maintenance. Additional responsibilities include training and oversight of vineyard employees and contract labour and up-keep of various winemaking records, safety records/reporting, reporting forms and spreadsheets. The role is hands on and while a management role it will also include a significant amount of undertaking the work required in the vineyard. A flexible working attitude will be required at key points during the growing season and harvest.

This is a rare opportunity to be involved in an exciting project and help to shape the business, its ethos and most importantly fruit and wines. The role will require hard work, focus and total commitment to quality at every stage but will also provide the platform to create and inspire.,

• Create, manage and conduct work programs for all aspects of vineyard management including; frost protection, spray programs, canopy management etc.


• Manage all vineyard full time, part time and seasonal workers.


• Manage training plans for junior members of staff to include third party training courses.


• Manage, conduct effective maintenance protocols for all vineyard vehicles and equipment.


• Actively seek and recommend areas of improvement for crop quality, cost reduction etc.


• Manage and record proper records required both legally and best practice.


• Coordinate and oversea equipment needs and supplies.


• Oversee ground maintenance and other agricultural projects as required.


• Strategic planning and forecasting.


• Ability to work extended hours during harvest and peak periods.


• Work cooperatively and collaboratively as part of the larger Black Chalk team.


• Suggest and oversee vineyard experiments and projects.


• Participate in industry work groups and committees to ensure the business is involved and informed in current debate and discussion.


• Ensure environmental compliance and certification including Health and Safety.


• Work closely with the winemaking team on research and technical experimentation both in the vineyards and the winery.


• Organisation of picking crews and harvest logistics collaboratively with the winemaker.


• Ability to conduct tours and speak at events.


• Ability to represent Black Chalk at industry and consumer facing events.
  
  Bachelor of Science Degree (Viticulture degree preferred) or 5 years of vineyard experience including cool climate vineyard management.


• Passion for viticulture and wine and commitment to excellence and high standards.


• Ability to make educated, timely and sound viticultural decisions. Detail oriented, takes initiative and comfortable delegating tasks.


• Strong tractor driving skills.


• Safe use of pesticide certificates licenses (PA1, PA3, PA6).


• Very strong organising, planning, supervising, and problem solving skills. Able to multitask and manage changing priorities while maintaining a positive attitude working both as a team and alone.


• Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills. Strong computer background with proficiency in Microsoft Office/Mac.


• Valid driver's license and ability to drive a car.


• Excellent forklift skills., Excellent knowledge of sustainable and conventional viticulture practices associated with the most popular grape varieties in England.


• Knowledge of viticultural and winemaking equipment, processes and procedures in Sparkling wine production.


• Trailer licence, Full right to work in the UK.


• Must be able to work indoors, outdoors, and in various temperature extremes


• Must be able to work long hours, and possibly weekends and holidays, especially during harvest season


• Ability to lift up to 25Kgs regularly.
  
  Black Chalk is an exciting, award-winning boutique producer of English Sparkling wine, with 12ha of our own vineyards and a state-of-the-art winery. Black Chalk has achieved a raft of plaudits and awards since our launch in 2018 and our vision has always been to build a quality driven range of products that showcase both the passion of the people involved and what is possible on a boutique scale here in Hampshire.
  
  Salary will be commensurate with the experience, skills, and qualifications that the candidate brings to the position.