At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving nursery, driving crop production and managing a dynamic team.
- Company: A vibrant commercial nursery focused on ornamental plants and vegetables.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential bonuses, 28 days' holiday, and hands-on leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing operation while introducing innovative ideas.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial nurseries, team leadership, and a passion for growing.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Lead Grower / Nursery Manager | Essex | £DOE
Do you love growing?
This is an opportunity to take the lead at a thriving commercial nursery, driving crop production, leading a team and shaping the performance of a busy ornamental growing nursery.
This is a hands-on leadership role within a sizeable commercial growing operation, producing ornamental bedding plants, vegetables and traded material for its own garden centres.
The nursery operates predominantly under glass, with moveable growing tables and a strong focus on efficient, consistent production.
The role
As Lead Grower / Nursery Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery and ensure production is delivered to plan, particularly through the key spring and summer growing periods.
What's on offer?
- Competitive salary
- Potential bonus scheme, dependent on company performance
- 28 days' holiday including bank holidays
- The opportunity to take genuine ownership of a commercial growing operation
- A hands-on role with scope to introduce new ideas and improve the way the site operates
- The opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and make a visible impact
You will be
- Taking ownership of the nursery's growing and production activities.
- Following and delivering the agreed production plan, ensuring plants are ready to meet commercial demand.
- Leading and developing the nursery team, including agency staff during peak periods.
- Planning and organising labour effectively as the nursery moves into its busiest periods.
- Monitoring crop quality, timing and presentation to ensure the required standards are met.
- Working closely with the wider business and key stakeholders to ensure production meets customer and garden centre requirements.
- Helping to improve existing growing and operational practices, bringing new ideas and ways of working to the site.
- Supporting the business with purchasing, planning and the movement of young plants and other growing materials.
You will ideally have
- Previous experience working in a commercial nursery or growing operation.
- Experience of growing ornamental plants, bedding or similar crops.
- PA1 and PA6 qualifications.
- Previous supervisory, team leader or management experience.
- Good understanding of commercial production and the importance of meeting demand, quality and deadlines.
- The ability to understand the connection between growing, customer requirements and the commercial side of the business.
- A practical, hands-on approach and a willingness to get stuck in.
- A down-to-earth, personable approach with the ability to build strong relationships across the business.
What's next?
For an informal chat, please call Florence on , email , or message me on Linked In.
Don't worry if your CV isn't up to date - just send what you have, and we'll take it from there.
Lead Grower/Nursery Manager in Essex employer: MorePeople Careers
Join a well-established manufacturing business in Boston, Lincolnshire, where your skills as an electrically biased Multi-Skilled Engineer will be valued and nurtured. With a competitive salary of £52,500 and a flexible 4 on / 4 off shift pattern, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and stability. This company is committed to investing in its operations and offers a dynamic environment where you can tackle diverse challenges and enhance your technical expertise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Grower/Nursery Manager in Essex
✨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 MorePeople Careers.
✨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 MorePeople Careers.
✨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 MorePeople Careers; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Grower/Nursery Manager in Essex
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 MorePeople Careers.
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 Lead Grower/Nursery Manager.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what MorePeople Careers 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 MorePeople Careers a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople Careers
✨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 MorePeople Careers might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
