HARVEST OPERATIONS MANAGER – COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE
Apply for this roleAbout the role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced agricultural professional to take full responsibility for harvest operations, workforce management, productivity, crop quality and operational performance.
The successful candidate will play a key role in planning and delivering efficient, cost-effective harvesting operations while leading and developing large seasonal teams.
The position offers significant responsibility, long-term career prospects and the opportunity to contribute to the continued development of a successful commercial growing operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for daily commercial harvest operations across multiple crops.
- Plan and coordinate harvest schedules, labour requirements and operational resources.
- Lead, manage and motivate large teams
- Monitor workforce productivity, performance and operational efficiency.
- Develop crop and labour forecasts to support production planning and budgeting.
- Manage harvest budgets, labour costs and performance targets.
- Ensure harvested produce meets quality standards and customer specifications.
- Coordinate harvest logistics, equipment and workforce allocation.
- Work closely with growing, production, packhouse and senior management teams.
- Maintain accurate harvest records, productivity reports and payroll information.
- Monitor operational KPIs and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Support workforce recruitment, training, development and performance management.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, hygiene and health and safety requirements.
- Promote a positive, productive and well-organised working environment.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary depending on experience.
- Accommodation available.
- Permanent, full-time employment.
- Opportunity to lead substantial commercial harvest operations.
- Significant operational responsibility and management involvement.
- Long-term career development and progression opportunities.
- Established and progressive commercial horticultural environment.
Qualifications & experience
- Essential Requirements:
- HACCP Level 2 or Level 3 certification.
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent recognised health and safety qualification.
- PA1 and PA2 pesticide application certificates.
- Proven experience within commercial agriculture, horticulture or fresh produce production.
- Experience leading and managing large workforces.
- Strong understanding of harvest planning, crop quality and operational efficiency.
- Experience managing labour budgets, productivity targets and operational KPIs.
- Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP principles.
- Strong leadership, organisational and decision-making skills.
- Confidence working with operational data, reporting systems and computer applications.
- Ability to work independently and manage changing operational priorities.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Desirable Qualifications:
- BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection or Foundation BASIS.
- FACTS qualification in fertiliser and nutrient management.
- Additional qualifications in commercial crop production, agricultural operations or workforce management.
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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