At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead organic crop production, sales, and logistics in a vibrant farm environment.
- Company: Linley Farm, a sustainable farm delivering fresh produce to local markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential accommodation, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic outdoor setting.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on sustainable farming.
- Qualifications: Experience in organic horticulture and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 34000 £ per year.
At Linley Farm, Bishop’s Castle, we deliver top-quality organic vegetables, fruit and flowers to shops and restaurants in London and Shropshire. We are looking for a head grower to be a strong leader and an integral part of the team. Working collaboratively with the estate and farm managers, you’ll need to be efficient and have an excellent work ethic.
Day-to-day duties will include all aspects of organic growing, from harvesting, packing, weeding, seeding, maintenance, seed saving, paperwork, marketing and communicating with customers. You’ll be expected to take the lead on sales and logistics, driving the business forward, and work on both short and long-term planning with the team and estate management staff.
You’ll need to have an eye for detail and be consistent, with the ability to motivate and delegate within a small team. This role would suit someone who is a self-starter and ambitious. Innovative ideas and approaches will be appreciated.
- General: We use beneficial plants and flowers, companion planting and feed our soils with compost teas and extracts in the walled garden. The field-scale area is at a different location, and you will work on propagation, crop growing and management for the field-scale operation.
- Crop planning: You will need to make crop plans running into the following year, adapting them according to the weather, seed availability and market demands.
- Marketing: Responsible for marketing the vegetables, exploring new markets locally and in London, and making decisions on financially viable crops.
- Logistics: Organise multiple team members around weather conditions, manage delivery logistics, and coordinate collection by our wholesaler.
- Growing: Manage propagation, planting, bed preparation, weed management, pest and disease management, crop care, irrigation, and tool care.
- Composting: Help with composting, including building bioreactors and making compost tea/extract.
- Cut flowers: Experience and knowledge of cut flowers is a bonus, as we sell cut flowers to the pub and some restaurants.
- Administration: Responsible for budgeting, ordering, invoicing, and maintaining clear communication with the estate office. Record keeping is essential.
The role is full-time with paid breaks, and some flexibility around weekend working is required. Salary is dependent on experience, and accommodation may be available.
Requirements:
- At least 2 seasons in an organic horticulture setup
- Proven experience leading a team and strong communication skills
- Confident in crop planning, seed ordering, and record keeping
- Willingness to work in a physical, outdoors role
- Full, clean UK driving license and access to own vehicle due to rural location
Desirable:
- Direct head grower experience
- Familiarity with direct to restaurant sales and wholesalers
- Experience using courier services for produce delivery
- Ability to use the tractor and machinery
Pay range is £28,000 – £34,000 + possible accommodation. Applications close 31st March. Please apply as soon as possible as we may interview candidates before the closing date.
Head Grower: Lead Organic Crops, Sales & Logistics in Bishop's Castle employer: Organic Growers Alliance
Linley Farm is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant, collaborative environment dedicated to organic farming. With a strong focus on employee growth and innovation, we provide our team with the chance to lead in sustainable practices while enjoying the beauty of the Shropshire countryside. Our commitment to quality and community engagement ensures that every team member plays a vital role in delivering top-notch produce to local markets and restaurants.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Grower: Lead Organic Crops, Sales & Logistics in Bishop's Castle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the farm and its team! Before your interview, take some time to research Linley Farm and understand their values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and adapt to challenges, especially in an outdoor setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your innovative ideas! Linley Farm is looking for someone who can think outside the box. Prepare to share any creative approaches you've used in crop planning or marketing that could benefit the farm.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Linley Farm. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Grower: Lead Organic Crops, Sales & Logistics in Bishop's Castle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Organic Growing:When writing your application, let your love for organic farming shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about growing crops sustainably. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference in the world of organic produce.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in organic horticulture. Talk about your previous roles, especially any leadership positions you've held. We’re keen to know how you've managed teams and tackled challenges in crop planning or logistics, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application to Us:Take a moment to read through our job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. Mention specific duties like crop planning, marketing, or composting that resonate with your skills. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team at Linley Farm.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨Know Your Crops
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of organic crops and their growing conditions. Be ready to discuss specific varieties you’ve worked with and how you’ve adapted crop plans based on weather or market demands. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a head grower, you’ll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve motivated and delegated tasks in previous roles. Think about challenges you faced and how you resolved them while keeping the team engaged and productive.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Logistics
Logistics is key in this role, so come prepared to talk about your experience with managing deliveries and coordinating team efforts around weather conditions. Highlight any systems you’ve implemented to improve efficiency in past positions.
✨Bring Innovative Ideas
Linley Farm values innovation, so think about new marketing strategies or crop management techniques you could bring to the table. Be ready to share your thoughts on how to explore new markets or improve existing processes, showing that you’re forward-thinking and proactive.
