Farm Lead

Felix Farms in Kent with occasional travel to Felix’s sites in London.

Contract Type: 2–4 month contract, dependent on circumstances/availability.

Location: Felix Farms in Kent with occasional travel to Felix’s sites in London (Deptford, Enfield, Poplar, Acton, Western International Market, New Spitalfields Market, Canary Wharf, Old Street).

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week, 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday.

Requirements: The Felix Project can only employ applicants who currently have the right to work in the UK. UK Driving License mandatory. Forklift License highly desirable.

Purpose of the Job: We are looking for the Farm Lead to play a key role in ensuring that Felix is successful in achieving its objective to rescue and secure a growing supply of surplus food, helping us to meet our ambitious meal targets to feed those in need. This role sits within the Food Innovations Team and looks to expand and strengthen partnerships across the food supply chain, including farms, manufacturers and other food industry partners. The focus of the role will involve leading our Farm Rescue operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of fruit-picking during harvest season, including 8:00am site set-up and coordination of activities throughout the day.
• Conduct Dynamic Risk Assessments each morning to ensure safety standards are met.
• Meet and greet volunteers upon arrival, providing introductions and a Health & Safety briefing.
• Manage all aspects of picking and loading fruit into crates/bins, ensuring efficiency and quality control.
• Organise lunch and refreshments for volunteers to ensure a positive experience.
• Liaise with farmers or on-site contacts daily to coordinate logistics.
• Coordinate with hauliers for collections and deliveries and communicate with Felix depots to confirm receipt and distribution.
• Lead and support, where necessary, on all farm outreach activities.
• Carry out any other duties as directed by line management to support the success of the Food Innovation team.
• End of day thanks to volunteers & impact messaging.
• Manage and maintain strong relationships with existing partner suppliers, including farms, orchards, and growers.
• Represent The Felix Project at relevant events, meetings, and forums to promote our work and explore new collaborations.
• Contribute to weekly and monthly reviews of food supply activity, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Lead on the end-of-season harvest review, summarising outcomes, learnings, and recommendations for future harvests.

Person Specification: You will thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment and enjoy leading volunteers and projects that have tangible community impact. You will be confident managing relationships, comfortable with both project planning and physically demanding outdoor work and committed to The Felix Project’s mission to tackle food waste and food poverty.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience working in a busy environment and managing competing tasks.
• Confident and professional.
• Capable of excelling in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Ability to work within a team of varied individuals with a positive attitude.
• In easy travelling distance to Marden/Horsmonden in Kent. Accommodation not provided.
• UK Driving License Mandatory.
• Confident with driving volunteers in minibuses and Felix Vans.
• Forklift license highly desirable/candidate willing to take forklift test.
• Completed, or willing to undertake, Dynamic Risk Assessment and First Aid training.
• Ability to travel into one of our Felix Depots in London for Trial Shift, Second Interview and Induction (if successful).

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: At The Felix Project, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. We value the unique contributions of every individual and strive to create a respectful, inclusive environment free from discrimination or prejudice.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave per annum (+ bank holidays) plus up to 2 days additional leave for length of service.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave.
• Birthday day off.
• Access to discounts for a wide range of everyday spends.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee assistance programme including 24 Hour GP helpline.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Opportunity for free meals whilst working at our depots.
• After work activities such as Felix’s softball team, running club and cycling club.