Senior Farm Operative - Priory Road Farms

Senior Farm Operative - Priory Road Farms

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Noble Foods Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support daily farm operations, ensuring bird health and maximising egg production.
  • Company: Join Noble Foods, a family-owned leader in the food industry since 1920.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free hot drinks, discounted gym memberships, and wellness programmes.
  • Other info: Diverse team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while working in a dynamic farm environment.
  • Qualifications: Attention to detail and teamwork skills are essential; farm experience is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Noble Foods Home of the Happy Egg Co. is a family-owned company which began in 1920 and includes successful milling, poultry, agriculture and consumer foods businesses. Within this, Noble Foods owns several successful brands, including the UK's biggest free range egg brand the Happy Egg Co., Big & Fresh and Purely Organic. In a recent survey by Best Companies we were rated as one of the Top 10 companies to work for in the Food and Drink industry.

The Senior Farm Operative supports the daily running of an egg laying poultry farm by carrying out routine tasks to maintain bird health, maximise egg production, and ensure high standards of welfare, hygiene and biosecurity. This role involves working in and around the poultry houses, monitoring the flock, maintaining and repairing equipment, manure removal and litter management, collecting eggs, and following farm procedures to help achieve production targets.

Key Accountabilities of the role:

  • Senior Operative Responsibilities: Assist the Farm Manager in planning, organising, and coordinating daily and seasonal farm operations. Provide informal leadership, guidance, and support to Farm Operatives and seasonal staff. Help monitor workflow, production performance, and compliance with welfare, safety and hygiene standards. Act as the senior on-site contact in the Farm Manager's absence, ensuring tasks continue smoothly and safely. Contribute to improvements in processes, efficiency, flock performance and farm operational standards.
  • Flock Care and Egg Production: Assist with the daily care of layer hens, ensuring their health and welfare. Monitor birds for signs of illness, injury or behavioural changes and report concerns to the Farm Manager. Support daily egg collection, grading and recording of production figures. Maintain correct lighting, ventilation and temperature conditions in poultry houses.
  • Biosecurity and Animal Welfare: Follow and champion strict biosecurity procedures, including changing clothing, footwear and using disinfection areas correctly. Ensure poultry houses and surrounding areas meet high cleanliness and welfare standards.
  • Feed and Nutrition Management: Check feed levels daily, report shortages and support troubleshooting of any feed related issues. Assist with safe handling, movement and storage of feed supplies. Ensure feeding and drinking systems are functioning correctly and report any faults.
  • Farm Hygiene and Cleaning: Carry out routine cleaning of equipment, walkways, nest boxes and egg belts. Support washout and preparation of poultry houses between flocks.
  • Record Keeping and Reporting: Accurately record egg numbers, floor eggs, mortality, temperatures and other daily operational data. Use manual logs or digital tools in line with farm processes and compliance requirements. Assist the Farm Manager by providing clear and timely operational updates and helping prepare information for audits or inspections.
  • Facility and Equipment Management: Conduct basic checks on equipment and machinery and report faults or repair needs promptly. Assist with routine maintenance tasks to keep the farm running smoothly.
  • Site Management and Maintenance: Carry out whole site maintenance and range management as directed by the farm management team.

Shared Accountabilities:

  • Health & Safety responsibilities: Follow the health and safety policies and procedures. Report any hazards, incidents or injuries to the team leader or manager. Use the personal protective equipment and clothing provided. Cooperate with the team leader or manager on health and safety matters. Participate in health and safety training and induction.
  • Social & Environmental responsibilities: Demonstrate awareness of the social and environmental impact of your work and strive to minimise any negative effects. Follow the company's policies and guidelines on sustainability, ethics, diversity and inclusion, and health and safety. Support your team members and collaborate with other colleagues to achieve the company's social and environmental goals. Seek opportunities to learn and improve your skills and knowledge on social and environmental issues relevant to your role.

About You:

  • Skills, Knowledge & experience: Excellent attention to detail. Comfortable working in a farm environment, on your feet for long periods. Works well within a team. Good communication skills.
  • Personal attributes: Works together and collaborates with others to complete tasks and solve problems. Takes ownership for the quality and timeliness of their work. Is courageous and does what they know is right even if it's uncomfortable. Takes action and does everything in their ability to deliver what has been promised. Contributes to a trusting team by treating everyone with respect and showing kindness to all colleagues. Strives for excellence and takes every opportunity to learn new skills.

Key Stakeholders: Wider agriculture department, wider internal departments.

We believe the most successful teams are formed from a diverse talent pool and we strive to employ a wide variety of individuals in our business, selecting the best qualified person for each role regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristics.

What can we offer you?

  • Free hot drinks on shift
  • Service Awards
  • Enhanced paternity and maternity
  • Free life insurance
  • Enhanced Sick Pay Scheme
  • Access to Perkbox with a variety of discounts including a monthly freebie from Greggs or Café Nero
  • Discounted eggs and chicken
  • A celebration day after 1 year service enjoy an extra day off to celebrate a life event such as your birthday
  • Access to DigiCare+ - Annual Health Check, Digital GP Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Health Opinion and Mental Health Consultations.
  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Free eye test every two years
  • Discounted mobile phone contracts
  • Share in our success with the People Partnership - after 6 months service you will be eligible for a yearly bonus
  • Additional allowances for First Aiders and Mental Health First Aiders
  • Wellness programme
  • Employee charity matching scheme

If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment.

Senior Farm Operative - Priory Road Farms employer: Noble Foods Limited

Noble Foods, a family-owned company with a rich history since 1920, is renowned for its commitment to employee welfare and development, making it an exceptional employer in the food and drink industry. With a vibrant work culture that prioritises teamwork and respect, employees enjoy a range of benefits including enhanced sick pay, free life insurance, and access to wellness programmes, all while contributing to the success of the UK's leading free-range egg brand. Located at Priory Road Farms, this role offers unique opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement in a supportive environment dedicated to high standards of animal welfare and sustainability.

Noble Foods Limited

Contact Details:

Noble Foods Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Farm Operative - Priory Road Farms

Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops

Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.

Get Involved in Agricultural Events

Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!

Volunteer for Relevant Experience

Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!

Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites

Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Noble Foods Limited often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Farm Operative - Priory Road Farms

Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Farm Operations Management
Animal Welfare Knowledge
Biosecurity Procedures

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.

Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.

Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.

Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Noble Foods Limited does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Noble Foods Limited

Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies

Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Noble Foods Limited will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.

Showcase Your Practical Experience

Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Noble Foods Limited.

Understand the Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.

Practice Common Industry Scenarios

Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Noble Foods Limited.