About Us:
Fruition Recruitment is a Geelong based boutique recruitment firm that specialises in regional recruitment, executive search and talent advisory. With a reputation for providing industry leading results, Fruition works hard to provide a fresh alternative to sales-driven agencies and is a business that clients love working with and candidates trust. We are working on this vacancy on behalf of our client.

About our Client:
Our client is one of Geelong’s most recognised and award winning wineries, renowned for their single vineyard, cool climate wines. From pinot noir, to chardonnay, shiraz, riesling and limited release varietals, this premium producer together with their storybook setting, soil, climate and location is where rugged meets refined. Proudly family owned, the winery has 64 hectares under vine and continue to receive accolades and experience persistent demand. An extraordinary opportunity now exists for a seasoned Vineyard Manager, or an exceptional Assistant Vineyard Manager wanting to step up, to join the small, hardworking team on a full time ongoing basis.

About the Opportunity:
Reporting to the Managing Director, you'll be given rare autonomy and creative license to oversee and nurture a beautiful vineyard and really make an impact in the world of wine. A hands-on role, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the vineyard, performing all operational vineyard requirements, in accordance with established operating procedures. This will include management and oversight of all vineyard activities including cultivation, pruning, planting, irrigation and harvest. You’ll coordinate and oversee all vineyard operations including mowing, weed control, trimming, the timely application of sprays as well as managing the vineyard team and contractors overall. You’ll monitor and make irrigation recommendations related to the vine and seasonal requirements, manage pests and disease and manage the acquisition of adequate tools and equipment on an as needs basis. Required to effectively communicate with the wider team, you’ll support and train employees and contractors in line with policies and regulations and work alongside the winemaker, assisting with harvest in order to provide timely delivery of fruit during vintage. Responsible for financial budgeting, crop forecasting, benchmarking and reporting for all vineyard operations, you’ll also drive continuous improvement across all company viticulture for quality and sustainability; working alongside external consultants to improve fruit and wine quality, ensuring all seasonal parameters are met. Additionally, you’ll provide support in hosting visitors to the winery and vineyard for promotional activity and events from time to time.

About You:
Either a seasoned Vineyard Manager, or an accomplished Assistant Vineyard Manager ready to step up, you’ll have significant experience in a similar role and have a broad spectrum of industry knowledge and skills managing all aspects of vineyard operations. Confident in your abilities and passionate about viticulture, you thrive being hands on, outdoors and when contributing your ideas, solutions and opinions. Personable and with a strong work ethic, you’ll have a strong background of machinery operation including tractors and self-propelled grape harvesters. A logical thinker, you like to be organised and have a high level of attention to detail. Approachable and great at building productive relationships both internally and within the wider wine-community in the region, you enjoy leading and managing others, contributing to their development and helping them realise their potential. You also value a safe working environment, adhere to company health and safety policies and as an excellent verbal and written communicator you have no problems record keeping, completing compliance measures and have basic report writing and intermediate Microsoft Office skills. With a valid vehicle and forklift license, you’ll have a current agricultural chemical user permit, and any interest, knowledge or experience in organic processes would be highly regarded.

About the Perks:
If you’re looking for a sign, this is it. An enviable opportunity - this is your opportunity - full of promise, potential and purpose. And pinot! This is your very own escape to the country and a phenomenal chance to join a small but hardworking team that are seriously going places. You’ll have high visibility within the business, your opinions will count and you’d be joining a fun, down to earth team of passionate people who enjoy celebrating success together. Generous remuneration is on offer, as well as the potential for extra annual leave and moving costs for the right candidate.

About Applying:
For further information on this opportunity please contact Lauren Hogan of Fruition Recruitment directly on 0439 351 629 to discuss in absolute confidence. To apply, follow the links or email lhogan@fruitionrecruitment.com.au with your CV.

Please note, hand delivered CVs or office drop ins will not be accepted (candidate meetings are by appointment only) and due to the large volume of applications responses we receive to our advertised roles, we’re only able to contact shortlisted candidates. If it has been more than 7 business days since the date of your application and you haven’t heard from us but would like some specific feedback on your application, please feel free to contact us directly and we’d be happy to discuss with you.