Farm Manager in Essex

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Location of the Job: South East / East of England.

Salary and Benefits Package:

• Highly competitive salary depending on experience, circa £80,000 per year.
• Accommodation included - three bedroom house.
• Company vehicle.
• Performance-related company bonus.

Additional information: This is a permanent full-time position.

About The Company: Specialist arable and potato farm.

The Job Role Details: As the Farm Manager you will be responsible for the operational, agronomic, and commercial management of a large-scale arable and potato farming operation. This role focuses on delivering high-quality crops safely, efficiently, and profitably while managing people, machinery, land, and compliance.

You will be responsible for:

• Crop Production & Agronomy: Plan, establish, grow, harvest, and store potato crops to high quality standards. Arable cropping (e.g. cereals, break crops) including rotations and soil health as a covering role. Work with Agronomists on variety choice, nutrition, crop protection, and IPM. Monitor yields, quality, and crop performance. Implement irrigation strategy and water management. Manage the irrigation cycle and team, including problem solving and repairs. Manage storage quality and out loading.
• Operational & Machinery Management: Plan seasonal workloads and labour deployment. Manage harvesting operations and logistics. Oversee maintenance and utilisation of machinery and equipment. Manage fuel, parts, and machinery budgets. Ensure efficient field operations and minimal downtime.
• People Management: Lead and motivate permanent and seasonal staff. Recruit, induct, and train staff. Set clear expectations and manage performance. Ensure compliance with health & safety standards. Manage labour planning for peak seasons.
• Financial & Commercial Management: Prepare and manage crop budgets. Monitor costs, margins, and operational KPIs. Work with commercial teams on contracts and customer requirements. Support strategic investment and capital planning. Contribute to long-term farm strategy.
• Compliance, Health & Safety: Ensure compliance with Red Tractor, environmental stewardship, and legal standards. Maintain spray records, assurance documentation, and audits. Promote a strong health & safety culture. Manage environmental and sustainability initiatives.
• Land & Estate Management: Manage soil structure, drainage, and fertility. Liaise with landlords, neighbours, and contractors. Support land acquisition, tenancy, and stewardship schemes. Oversee environmental schemes.
• Reporting & Communication: Report regularly on crop performance, labour, and budgets. Communicate effectively with Directors, Agronomists, and suppliers. Maintain accurate records and plans.

Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience managing large-scale potato and arable farm operations.
• Strong agronomic knowledge.
• Good mechanical understanding and application.
• Experience leading teams and managing seasonal labour.
• Commercially aware with budgeting experience.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence.
• BASIS / FACTS qualification.
• Experience with irrigation systems.
• Familiarity with assurance schemes and audits.
• Calm under pressure during peak seasons.
• Forward-thinking and strategic.

How to apply: Please click on the APPLY NOW button.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, please be advised that only those short listed for an interview will be contacted. Please be assured that your job application will be managed in complete confidence and your personal details will not be passed to any third party without your prior permission.