At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the harvest team, ensuring efficient fruit picking and top-notch quality standards.
- Company: Join a leading soft fruit producer with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, private medical insurance, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible working hours to match seasonal demands and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in soft fruit management and strong organisational skills required.
We are recruiting for a Harvest Manager on behalf of an innovative soft fruit business based in Chichester. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced harvest or production professional to join a growing farming operation, taking responsibility for the planning, coordination and day to day management of the harvest function. Working closely with the Production Manager and wider farm teams, you'll oversee harvest planning, labour management, crop quality, logistics and operational performance, ensuring fruit is harvested efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety. This is a fast paced leadership role that would suit someone who enjoys managing people, solving problems and delivering operational excellence within a commercial fresh produce environment.
Our client is a leading soft fruit producer, supplying premium fruit to major UK retailers. With continued investment in people, technology and innovation, they offer excellent opportunities for career development within a progressive horticultural business.
The Candidate
- Minimum two years' experience within the soft fruit industry
- Previous experience managing seasonal teams and supervisors
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Good IT and reporting skills
- Ability to work under pressure during peak harvest periods
- Flexible approach to working hours in line with seasonal demands
- Experience planning harvest schedules and labour requirements
- Knowledge of fresh produce quality standards and food safety
- Experience managing harvest budgets and productivity
- Understanding of commercial soft fruit production
The Package
- Salary £38,000 - £44,000 DOE
- 5% discretionary performance bonus
- 5% employer NEST pension contribution
- Life Assurance from Day One
- Private Medical Insurance following successful completion of a six-month probation
- Ongoing training and career development
- Opportunity to join a growing and progressive horticultural business
Working Hours
Flexible working hours to suit seasonal and operational requirements. Hours will vary depending on workload, with earlier starts and later finishes required during peak harvest periods.
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
Join a pioneering agricultural leader in Bromsgrove, where innovation meets excellence in poultry management. As a Broiler Farm Manager, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering competitive salaries, generous housing allowances, and performance bonuses. Experience the unique advantage of working in a state-of-the-art facility that champions biosecurity and flock welfare, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about advancing their careers in agriculture.
Contact Details:
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harvest Manager - Chichester - £38,000 - £44,000 + Bonus - Benefits
✨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 Agricultural Recruitment Specialists.
✨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 Agricultural Recruitment Specialists.
✨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 Agricultural Recruitment Specialists; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Harvest Manager - Chichester - £38,000 - £44,000 + Bonus - Benefits
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 Agricultural Recruitment Specialists.
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 Manager - Chichester - £38,000 - £44,000 + Bonus - Benefits.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Agricultural Recruitment Specialists 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 Agricultural Recruitment Specialists a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists
✨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 Agricultural Recruitment Specialists might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
