At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily farm operations and manage a dedicated team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking fresh produce business in Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary and autonomy in your role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing farming enterprise with a focus on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management and farm machinery is essential.
- Other info: No polished CV needed; just send what you have!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a hands-on farm operations leader with a passion for machinery and team management? Looking to join a forward-thinking fresh produce business with real autonomy and responsibility? This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a key operational role within a well-established and growing farming enterprise in Kent. The business manages over 600 hectares of land, with a strong focus on vegetable and arable production.
The Role:
As Farm Operations Manager, you'll report to the Farm Manager and take charge of the day-to-day running of farm operations. You'll lead a small, dedicated team and oversee all machinery, equipment, and estate maintenance across multiple sites in the region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a small team of full-time and seasonal staff, including irrigation crews.
- Act as an internal contractor - delivering high-quality operational services to the crop management team.
- Oversee all machinery and equipment - from servicing schedules to breakdown management and procurement decisions.
- Maintain and improve the wider farm estate - ensuring buildings and land are safe, secure, and well-kept, while enhancing biodiversity.
- Promote and uphold a strong health and safety culture across all operations.
- Support irrigation and field-scale vegetable production activities.
- Adapt quickly to changing plans and operational challenges.
About You:
- Proven experience managing small teams in a farm setting.
- Strong mechanical aptitude - confident in setting up and maintaining a wide range of farm machinery.
- Positive, proactive approach to health and safety.
- Experience in field-scale vegetable production and irrigation is advantageous.
- Mechanical/workshop experience is a bonus.
- BASIS/FACTS qualifications are not required - this is a practical, machinery-focused role.
What's Next:
For a confidential discussion, contact Kieran on (phone number removed), email (url removed), or connect via LinkedIn. No need for a polished CV - just send what you have, and we'll take it from there.
Farm Operations Manager employer: MOrePeople
Contact Detail:
MOrePeople Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with farm machinery during any conversations or interviews. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've managed equipment and maintenance will show your practical knowledge and confidence in this area.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing stories about how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Focus on your ability to motivate and support staff, especially in a farm setting, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in vegetable production and irrigation techniques. Showing that you're up-to-date with industry practices can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to current or former employees of the company via LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Farm Operations Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in team management, machinery handling, and farm operations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience managing teams in a farm setting. Include specific examples of how you've successfully overseen machinery and equipment maintenance, as well as any experience with vegetable production and irrigation.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your mechanical aptitude and any hands-on experience you have with farm machinery. Mention any relevant qualifications or practical skills that demonstrate your capability to adapt to operational challenges.
Keep it Informal: Since the company encourages a less formal application process, don’t stress about having a polished CV. Just send what you have, but ensure it’s clear, concise, and reflects your personality. A friendly tone can help you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at MOrePeople
✨Show Your Passion for Machinery
As a Farm Operations Manager, your love for machinery is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed and maintained farm equipment in the past.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in managing teams, especially in a farm setting. Share stories that showcase your ability to lead, motivate, and develop both full-time and seasonal staff.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Awareness
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to talk about how you've promoted a strong safety culture in previous positions. Provide examples of initiatives you've implemented to ensure a safe working environment.
✨Be Adaptable and Solution-Oriented
Farming can be unpredictable, so demonstrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Share instances where you've successfully navigated operational challenges and how you approached problem-solving.