Production Manager - Soft Fruits in Lichfield

If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.

Are you an experienced production or crop manager with a passion for delivering high yields and exceptional fruit quality? Do you enjoy leading teams, managing the full crop cycle, and working hands-on in a fast-paced fresh produce environment? Are you looking to take ownership of production performance within a progressive farming business?

Location of the Job: UK - Staffordshire

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary & Benefits Package: £45,000 to £55,000 per annum, dependent on experience

• Permanent, full-time position
• Seasonal peak hours during the growing season; weekend and overtime working required
• Training and professional development supported
• Accommodation or relocation support may be available (subject to eligibility)

About the Company: Our client is a well-established and forward-thinking fresh produce business producing high-quality soft and stone fruit for major UK retailers. The business is committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement, with significant investment in modern production systems, infrastructure, and people.

Production Manager - The Job Role Details: This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing crop production from plant delivery through to harvest. Working closely with the Farm Manager, Agronomist, and wider operational teams, you will ensure maximum yields and fruit quality through effective crop husbandry, pest control, irrigation oversight, and team leadership. You will play a key role in planning, constructing, maintaining, and optimising production areas and systems, while driving high standards of compliance, safety, and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage plant husbandry activities to maximise yield, consistency, and fruit quality
• Implement pest control, feeding, and spray programmes in line with guidance from the Farm Manager and Agronomist
• Manage chemical storage, spray records, and application equipment, ensuring full compliance with legislation and assurance schemes
• Lead, train, and develop production teams, ensuring licences, safety standards, welfare, and performance expectations are met
• Liaise closely with the Picking Manager, neighbours, and beekeepers regarding spray plans and operational activity
• Monitor and accurately record water usage, payroll information, and staff administration data
• Support investigations into customer non-compliance issues and implement corrective and preventative actions
• Promote positive public relations and maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene, and environmental stewardship
• Oversee irrigation rigs and tunnel effectiveness, adjusting production practices in line with weather conditions and crop requirements

Ideal Candidate Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in commercial fruit production, ideally across soft and stone fruit crops
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Confident and effective leader with strong communication skills, including experience working with multilingual teams
• Sound understanding of crop planning, harvesting, and quality control
• Familiar with Red Tractor, BRCGS, and major supermarket protocols
• Passionate about agriculture, innovation, and operational excellence
• Flexible to work weekends and extended hours during peak growing periods
• Positive, proactive, eager to learn, with a strong "can-do" attitude
• Competent using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Good understanding of planning and managing crop harvesting operations

Desirable:

• PA1, PA2a, PA3a, PA6 certificates
• Experience using Harvest Manager Farm Production System and Muddy Boots Farm Management Software
• Experience working with Priva irrigation systems

Working Hours: Full-time, with extended hours required during peak periods of the growing season

Why Join This Role: This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the success of a modern soft fruits operation. You will be part of a dedicated and experienced team, working in a dynamic environment where your leadership, technical expertise, and decision-making will have a direct impact on crop quality, productivity, and overall business performance.

How to Apply: Please click on the "apply now" button. As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, all applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role; however, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. All applications will be handled in strict confidence and personal details will not be shared without prior consent.

About Us: Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide expert recruitment, headhunting, and job advertising services across agriculture, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education sectors across the UK and internationally.