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- Tasks: Lead and manage crop production for high-quality soft fruits in a dynamic farming environment.
- Company: Progressive fresh produce business focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training support, and potential accommodation assistance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fruit quality and productivity while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial fruit production and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a modern agricultural setting.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46000 £ per year.
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.
The Industry (Key Words): Production Manager, Crop Production, Fresh Produce, Soft Fruit, Stone Fruit, Commercial Horticulture, Farm Production Manager, Crop Husbandry, Pest Control, Spraying Operations, Irrigation Management, Tunnel Production, Harvest Planning, Red Tractor, BRCGS, Supermarket Compliance, Priva Irrigation Systems, Muddy Boots, Harvest Manager, Agricultural Management, Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture Jobs
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.
Production Manager - Soft Fruits in Stafford employer: Agricultural and Farming Jobs
Contact Detail:
Agricultural and Farming Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Soft Fruits in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the agriculture and fresh produce sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can connect with potential employers and learn about job openings before they hit the mainstream.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in crop management, pest control, and team leadership. Bring it along to interviews or share it digitally to give employers a taste of what you can bring to their operation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like our client in Staffordshire. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and passion. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, don’t hesitate—get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Soft Fruits in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Produce: When writing your application, let your love for fresh produce shine through! Talk about your experience with soft fruits and how you’ve contributed to high yields and quality in previous roles. We want to see that you’re as excited about agriculture as we are!
Be Specific About Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences clearly. If you've managed crop production or led teams before, give us the details! Mention any specific techniques or systems you’ve used, like pest control or irrigation management, to show you know your stuff.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to this role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'crop husbandry' and 'quality control', to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural and Farming Jobs
✨Know Your Crops
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of soft and stone fruits. Understand the full crop cycle, from plant delivery to harvest, and be ready to discuss how you can maximise yields and quality. This will show your passion for the role and your expertise in crop management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Production Manager, you'll need to lead and develop teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in multilingual environments. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure safety and performance standards are met.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about pest control, irrigation management, and compliance with regulations like Red Tractor and BRCGS. Think of specific scenarios where you've implemented these practices and be prepared to discuss the outcomes. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation
The company values innovation and continuous improvement, so come prepared to discuss any new techniques or technologies you've used in previous roles. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to their commitment to high-quality production and operational excellence.
