At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage harvest operations on a large-scale soft fruit farm.
- Company: A modern, growing farming business offering long-term stability.
- Benefits: Salary £38k-£44k, annual bonus, pension, 33 days holiday, and private medical.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years' experience in harvest operations and team management.
- Other info: Flexible working hours during peak periods with a supportive team environment.
The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.
We are recruiting an experienced Harvest Manager to take full ownership of harvest operations on a large-scale soft fruit farm. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will plan, organise, and run the harvest from field to packhouse, ensuring people, quality, and performance all align.
You will lead harvest teams, manage daily and weekly plans, set picking rates, and ensure fruit is picked, handled, and chilled correctly to protect quality and shelf life. You will also work closely with production, packhouse, and logistics teams to keep everything running smoothly during peak season. This is a permanent role, not seasonal, offering long-term stability and progression within a modern, growing farming business.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Plan and manage harvest activity across multiple crops
- Lead, motivate, and develop harvest teams and team leaders
- Organise labour, logistics, transport, and daily schedules
- Set picking prices and monitor earnings in line with policy
- Ensure fruit meets quality, safety, and legal standards
- Oversee chilling and handling processes to protect shelf life
- Control harvest costs and work to budgets and targets
- Maintain accurate harvest records and forecasts
- Work closely with packhouse and wider farm teams
- Uphold health & safety standards at all times
- Outside peak harvest, support wider farm operations and team management
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in soft fruit or fresh produce harvest operations
- Proven experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment
- Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills
- Confident communicator with basic computer skills
- Flexible approach to working hours during peak periods
What’s On Offer
- Salary £38k-£44k, depending on experience
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Employer pension contribution
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Life assurance and private medical (after probation)
- Free parking and additional benefits
- Long-term, permanent opportunity within a growing business
Working Hours
Typically day-based, but flexibility is essential during harvest; earlier starts or later finishes may be required depending on the crop and conditions.
If you’re an experienced harvest leader looking for ownership, stability, and a role where you can make a real impact, this is a strong opportunity worth exploring.
Harvest Manager employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Henderson Brown Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Harvest Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Harvest Manager role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to harvest management. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the job description. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to talk!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Harvest Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in soft fruit or fresh produce harvest operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your leadership and planning abilities!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Harvest Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and operations in the past.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, mention any challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. We love candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to changing situations, especially during peak harvest times!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment
✨Know Your Harvest Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of soft fruit and fresh produce harvest operations. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams and how you've tackled challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and motivate teams. Think about specific situations where you’ve developed team members or improved performance, as this will demonstrate your hands-on leadership style.
✨Plan for the Peak
Since this role requires flexibility during peak harvest times, be prepared to discuss how you manage schedules and logistics under pressure. Share any strategies you’ve used to ensure smooth operations during busy periods.
✨Emphasise Quality Control
Quality is key in this role, so be ready to talk about how you ensure that fruit meets safety and legal standards. Discuss your experience with chilling and handling processes, and how you maintain accurate records and forecasts.