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- Tasks: Manage operations for a pioneering sustainable farming project and lead innovative crop trials.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company transforming fresh produce farming in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for rapid growth and leadership within a dynamic industry.
- Why this job: Be part of a sustainable solution to food security while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial growing and data analysis skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This isn't just another growing job. It's your opportunity to play a key role in a sustainable farming project that's changing the way fresh produce is grown in the UK - with clear progression as the business scales up. Backed by established growers and the energy sector, they're approaching vertical farming from a different angle - not just as agriculture, but as part of the energy industry.
After four years of successful trials and close collaboration with customers, they're now ready to take the next step. You'll be joining at a pivotal time, with the chance to be part of something truly exciting.
The Role
You'll take ownership of their pilot site in Somerset for 12-18 months, before moving to lead the first large-scale commercial facility in the Midlands. Whilst in Somerset, you'll be making sure daily operations run smoothly while also playing a central role in developing their commercial facility. Working closely with the founder and a team of experienced growers and agronomists, your responsibilities will include:
- Managing site operations including lighting, irrigation, fertigation, harvest, and labour.
- Running structured crop trials and analysing data to inform large-scale processes.
- Writing, rolling out, and improving SOPs for growing and site operations.
- Maintaining compliance and supporting audits.
- Leading daily meetings, shift planning, and ensuring accurate record keeping.
- Monitoring KPIs (yield, energy use, cost per kg, labour efficiency) and driving improvements.
- Supporting the design and set-up of a new commercial facility.
This role will evolve quickly - within 12-18 months, you could be stepping up into a bigger leadership position as the business scales.
About you
- Ability to relocate - their commercial site is likely to be based in the Midlands, so you'll be able to move as this develops.
- Experience in commercial growing - glasshouse or vertical farming. Soft fruit would be a bonus, but transferable crop knowledge is just as valuable.
- Data confident - able to use Excel to analyse results and make decisions.
- Comfortable with processes and compliance - ideally with HACCP/BRCGS or similar.
- Proactive, resilient, and self-sufficient - someone who spots issues early and takes ownership.
- A strong communicator who enjoys working across technical and growing teams.
- Trials experience would be beneficial but not essential.
What's in it for you?
- A rare chance to join a business tackling both food security and sustainability.
- Career progression - this role has real potential for promotion within 2 years.
- Competitive salary.
- Be part of a small, passionate, and supportive team where your input really matters.
How to Apply
For an informal chat, call Sarah on 01780 480530, email, or drop me a message on LinkedIn. Don't worry if your CV isn't up to date - just send what you have, and we'll take it from there.
Growing and Operations Manager in Southampton employer: MOrePeople
Contact Detail:
MOrePeople Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Growing and Operations Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to sustainable farming and vertical agriculture. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for sustainable farming shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like compliance and data analysis.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Growing and Operations Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for sustainable farming and how it aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial growing or any transferable skills. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so showcase your achievements in a way that speaks directly to the role.
Show Your Data Skills: Since data confidence is key for this role, mention any experience you have with Excel or data analysis. We love numbers, so if you've used data to drive improvements in past roles, make sure to include that!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at MOrePeople
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of vertical farming and soft fruit cultivation. Understand the unique challenges and innovations in this field, as well as the company's approach to sustainable farming. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role requires data analysis, be prepared to discuss your experience with Excel or any other data management tools. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles, especially in managing operations or improving processes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
This position has a clear path for progression, so highlight any leadership experiences you've had. Talk about times when you've led teams, managed projects, or taken ownership of tasks. Show them you're ready to step up and take charge as the business grows.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's future plans, the new commercial facility, or their approach to compliance and sustainability. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.