At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in horticulture, managing both field and packhouse operations.
- Company: Established horticultural business in Kent with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime pay, 23 days holiday, and optional on-site accommodation.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Enjoy variety in your role and make a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in supervisory roles within horticulture and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you a hands-on supervisor who likes to take ownership of the team and the day-to-day operations? Would a role where seasonal differences provide a variety in your responsibilities? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a hands-on Operations Supervisor to join a well-established horticultural business in Kent. Operating across both field production and processing, this role offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to play a key part in a close-knit, growing operation.
This is a practical leadership role within a business that values teamwork, flexibility, and a 'get stuck in' attitude. With continued growth, the business is expanding its supervisory team, creating opportunities for individuals to take ownership across key areas of the operation.
The Opportunity
- Competitive Salary
- Overtime paid at time and a half after 39 hours a week
- Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Friday: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm with weekend work on a rota'd basis
- 23 days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension
- Wet weather PPE provided
- Supportive, team-focused working environment
- Opportunity to take real ownership within a growing business
- Optional on-site accommodation (subject to availability)
The Role
This is a seasonally varied position, combining packhouse/processing leadership during peak months with field-based supervision across the rest of the year.
Key Responsibilities
Peak Season (October - March) Within the Packhouse
- Oversee processing and grading operations across multiple lines
- Manage agency labour (up to ~20 people at peak) alongside permanent staff
- Maintain quality standards across grading and output
- Organise day-to-day activity within the packhouse, prioritising workloads
- Ensure efficient workflow and effective use of labour
Off-Peak Season (March - October) Driving Field Operations
- Supervise field-based operations
- Manage and organise agency teams
- Oversee crop protection activities (e.g. netting, general crop care)
- Support weeding and general crop maintenance
- Plan labour requirements and organise resources for upcoming work
Year-Round Responsibilities
- Lead and support teams, including team leaders and operatives
- Ensure Health & Safety standards are maintained and risk assessments are up to date
- Drive continuous improvement and review processes
- Take a hands-on approach, supporting wherever needed across the operation
About You
- Proven experience in a supervisory or team leadership role within horticulture, fresh produce, or agriculture
- Strong people management skills, particularly with seasonal or agency labour
- Hands-on approach, comfortable working both in the field and in a packhouse environment
- Good organisational and planning skills
- Practical problem-solver with the ability to adapt to changing demands
- FLT licence desirable (training can be provided)
This role would suit someone who enjoys working outdoors, leading teams, and being part of a business where no two days are the same.
Operations Supervisor in Lenham employer: MorePeople
Join a well-established horticultural business in Kent that prioritises teamwork and flexibility, offering a supportive environment where you can take ownership of your role as an Operations Supervisor. With competitive salaries, overtime pay, and opportunities for personal growth within a close-knit team, this is an ideal workplace for those who thrive in a dynamic setting and enjoy the variety that seasonal work brings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Supervisor in Lenham
✨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.
✨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.
✨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; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Supervisor in Lenham
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.
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 Operations Supervisor.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what MorePeople 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 a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨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 might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
