About the role
This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and motivated professional to take responsibility for growing operations, crop performance and the development of effective production strategies within a modern commercial horticultural environment.
The successful candidate will oversee crop management, irrigation, fertigation, plant nutrition and crop protection, ensuring high standards of quality, productivity and operational efficiency.
Working closely with senior management and operational teams, you will play a key role in improving growing practices, developing the growing team and ensuring production targets are consistently achieved.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Crop Management & Growing Operations
- Oversee the day-to-day management of commercial growing operations.
- Develop and implement growing strategies to maximise crop yield, quality and productivity.
- Monitor crop health, plant development and overall growing performance.
- Plan and coordinate crop production programmes throughout the growing season.
- Identify crop issues and implement appropriate corrective actions.
- Ensure growing operations meet production targets and commercial requirements.
Irrigation, Fertigation & Crop Nutrition
- Oversee irrigation and fertigation programmes to maintain optimal growing conditions.
- Monitor crop nutrition, substrate conditions, EC and pH levels.
- Develop and adjust irrigation strategies according to crop requirements.
- Analyse irrigation and crop performance data to improve efficiency.
- Ensure irrigation equipment and growing systems operate effectively.
Crop Protection & Quality Management
- Develop and oversee effective crop protection programmes.
- Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
- Monitor pest and disease pressure and coordinate appropriate control measures.
- Work closely with agronomists and technical specialists.
- Ensure compliance with relevant crop protection regulations and quality standards.
Team Leadership & Operational Management
- Lead, support and develop the growing team.
- Coordinate daily and weekly growing activities.
- Provide technical guidance and training to Assistant Growers.
- Work closely with operational teams to ensure effective production planning.
- Support labour planning and resource allocation.
- Maintain high standards of health, safety and operational efficiency.
Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor crop performance against production targets.
- Prepare crop forecasts and production reports.
- Identify opportunities to improve crop yields and operational efficiency.
- Support the introduction of new growing technologies and production techniques.
- Work with senior management on long-term growing strategies.
WORKING HOURS
- Permanent, full-time position.
- Flexibility required during peak growing and harvest periods.
- Occasional weekend work may be required depending on operational needs.
WHAT'S ON OFFER
- Salary of up to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Accommodation may be available for the right candidate.
- Permanent position with an established commercial horticultural business.
- Opportunity to lead and develop a growing team.
- Involvement in modern growing technologies and production improvements.
- Long-term career development opportunities.
Qualifications & experience
- Must hold both BASIS and FACTS qualifications.
- Proven experience as a Growing Manager, Senior Grower or in a similar commercial horticultural position.
- Strong knowledge of commercial crop production, irrigation, fertigation and plant nutrition.
- Experience in crop protection and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
- Good understanding of modern growing systems and technologies.
- Experience managing and developing growing teams.
- Strong organisational, leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to analyse crop performance data and make informed decisions.
- Experience in soft fruit production or protected cropping would be advantageous.
- Legal right to work in the UK or a valid visa permitting employment.
Candidate requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.
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Applying for Growing Manager – Commercial Horticulture
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