At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain harvesting machinery for baby leaf crops in a dynamic farming environment.
- Company: Join Agrial Fresh Farms, a leading producer of Florette Salad in the UK.
- Benefits: Earn £13.20 per hour, enjoy 28 days annual leave, and access health support services.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that grows fresh produce and contributes to sustainable farming.
- Qualifications: Clean driving licence and experience with horticultural machinery required.
Harvest Machine Operator
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We have an exciting opportunity for a Baby Leaf Harvest Machine Operator to join our team at Agrial Fresh Farms, producer of the Florette Salad brand, in Colchester, CO7 7HG.
A hands-on role responsible for operating and maintaining horticultural and harvesting machinery, supporting soil preparation and crop harvesting, and transporting crops to packing and cooling facilities.
The role requires good teamwork, machinery knowledge, a strong focus on health and safety, and ensuring equipment is clean, safe and ready for use.
- Working hours: Monday to Friday (Saturday as required) 7am-6pm
- Main Responsibilities
- Operating horticultural machinery and harvesting equipment for baby-leaf crops.
- Helping prepare soil for planting or drilling when required.
- Transporting harvested crops to the packing and cooling facilities.
- Following all site rules and company procedures.
- Working in accordance with food-safety requirements.
- Complying with legal and statutory health-and-safety requirements.
- Following company procedures relating to people management and workplace conduct.
Skills and Experience Required
- A clean driving license.
- An understanding of small horticultural machinery.
- Previous experience in the operation of a range of farm machinery.
- The ability to work as part of a team to take the lead where necessary.
- A good knowledge of health and safety legislation.
- What You Will Get In Return
An annual/hourly salary of £13.20 per hour, and a range of employee benefits you’d expect from a market leading business, including:
- Life Assurance: 3x your basic salary paid to your nominated beneficiary.
- Employee Assistance Programme and BUPA: Providing a Remote GP service along with a 24/7 helpline for financial, legal, medical and life issues, as well as access to BUPA Membership.
- Annual leave entitlement: 28 days annual leave per annum inclusive of UK Bank Holidays which increases with service, as well as the option to purchase up to 2 additional working weeks of holiday per annum.
- Learning and
Development: Personalised induction and regular learning and development courses and schemes: From L2 to L7 Funded Apprenticeships, Leadership Development Programme, First-Aid and MHFA Training, and many more!
- Benefits Platforms: Employee discount platform for multiple retailers and access to salary finance schemes for bicycles, gyms, and financial assistance.
- Other: Recognition awards, Regular Employee Engagement days, attendance incentives, an annual volunteering day, and much more!
About Us
Agrial Fresh Farms is one of three UK food manufacturing sites within Agrial Fresh Produce Ltd, which is an autonomous part of the larger 17,500 employee strong French co-operative group, Agrial.
Our Agrial Fresh Farms site is an integrated farming operation based in Colchester, Essex.
The salad farm provides baby leaf year-round to the UK, grown in polytunnels, and whole head and outdoor crops throughout the summer.
The produce is supplied into both of our 2 UK manufacturing sites for processing and distribution, which is then ready to be sold in your favourite supermarkets, fast-food establishments, and restaurants!
The business is more recognisable in the UK by its Florette salad brand and we are now one of the UK’s leading producers in the industry.
Agrial has operations across 11 countries, with 100 industrial sites, and a 2024 turnover of €7.1bn across 5 food divisions which comprise of Beverage, Dairy, Meat, Fresh Produce & Agricultural operations; it’s not just about lettuce!
All UK sites operate under the name of Agrial Fresh Produce Limited and fall under Agrial's vegetable division.
We have a recipe for success through our EPIC values and working together as one team.
In total, we sell on average around 600,000kg of products every week - an unbe-leaf-able amount!
Next Steps
It’s an exciting time to join our business as we look for new starters to join us to innovate in everything we do!
We’re looking for positive and driven people to join our professional team.
If you have the skills or experience we are looking for, and want a fresh challenge we would love for you to join us on our journey!
Agrial Fresh Produce reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
VISA Sponsorship: This role is only open to applicants who have the permanent right to work in the UK.
We are unable to provide or take over visa sponsorship, either now or in the future.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ongoing eligibility to work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship.
Agrial Fresh Produce Ltd is an Equal Opportunities employer.
In addition, as part of Responsible Recruitment, Agrial Fresh Produce Ltd believes in the Employer Pay Principle.
No worker should pay for a job – the costs of recruitment should be borne not by the worker but by the employer.
We are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all of our staff.
That’s why we’ve taken the Mental Health at Work Commitment and are currently delivering a programme of activities to ensure that everyone can have open and honest conversations about their wellbeing in the workplace and feel supported.
We encourage applications from persons with experience of poor mental health and are committed to supporting our employees to fulfil their potential and perform at their best in work
Harvest Machine Operator employer: Agrial Fresh Produce
Florette is an exceptional employer located in Lichfield, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With competitive benefits including generous annual leave, comprehensive health support, and tailored learning opportunities, employees are empowered to grow within a supportive environment. Join our dedicated team where your contributions directly impact the success of one of the UK's leading food manufacturers, all while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harvest Machine Operator
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Agrial Fresh Produce.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Agrial Fresh Produce.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Agrial Fresh Produce; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Harvest Machine Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Agrial Fresh Produce.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Harvest Machine Operator.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Agrial Fresh Produce is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Agrial Fresh Produce a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agrial Fresh Produce
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Agrial Fresh Produce might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
