At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large team to manage harvesting and production targets in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a thriving agricultural business focused on quality and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, pension contribution, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak seasons with a focus on teamwork and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing a dynamic workforce and ensuring product quality.
- Qualifications: Experience managing large teams and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
This is a large scale operational management role with responsibility for people management, forward planning, cost control and daily production targets. The role would suit an experienced manager from fresh produce, food production, agriculture, horticulture or another fast-paced environment involving perishable products and large workforces.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage approximately 500 seasonal workers and 30 Team Leaders
- Plan labour and harvesting requirements around 5 weeks in advance
- Set and monitor daily production and harvesting targets, ensuring output remains on schedule
- Manage labour costs, productivity and operational budgets
- Monitor performance and take action where targets are falling behind
- Lead, support and develop Team Leaders and supervisors
- Coordinate labour and resources to meet changing operational requirements
- Work within strict timeframes due to the short shelf life of the product
- Monitor product quality and ensure harvesting takes place at the appropriate time
- Manage operational challenges caused by weather, temperature and seasonal conditions
- Maintain accurate records and reporting
- Ensure health & safety, quality and operational standards are maintained
The Company
A successful and growing commercial agricultural business with a large seasonal workforce and a strong focus on productivity, quality and operational efficiency. This is a key management position within a large-scale operation where effective planning, people management and achieving daily targets are essential.
The Candidate
- Proven experience managing large workforces, ideally 150+ employees, with experience managing supervisors or Team Leaders
- Strong forward planning and organisational skills, including experience planning operations several weeks in advance
- Proven ability to manage demanding daily and weekly production targets, costs, labour and operational performance
- Experience working with perishable products or short shelf-life environments, where timing and product quality are critical
- Experience could come from fresh produce, soft fruit, top fruit, vegetables, greenhouse production, food production, meat, poultry, dairy, vineyards, flowers/horticulture or similar
- Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills
- Flexible approach and willingness to work longer hours and early starts during peak seasonal periods
The actual product background is less important than having the required scale of management and operational experience.
The Package
- Salary £38,000–£44,000 DOE, with potential to go slightly higher for the right candidate
- 5% discretionary performance bonus
- 5% employer NEST pension contribution
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.
Harvest Manager - Chichester - £38,000 - £44,000 + Bonus - Benefits employer: Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values flexibility and professional growth. With a focus on agriculture and rural estates, employees benefit from engaging with diverse clients across the Southwest, while enjoying opportunities for career advancement and a supportive environment that fosters continuous learning.
Contact Details:
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harvest Manager - Chichester - £38,000 - £44,000 + Bonus - Benefits
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Harvest Manager - Chichester - £38,000 - £44,000 + Bonus - Benefits
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd.
