At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead all aspects of organic vegetable production and manage a small team.
- Company: Knepp Estate, a pioneering rewilding project with a vibrant market garden.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, pension, free veggies, and discounts at our restaurant.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of our market garden.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable farming while working in nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial horticulture and team management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
£30,000-£35,000 dependant on experience (with possibility of end of season bonus). Permanent position, 40 hours per week with some weekend cover.
Knepp Market Garden is a 3-acre, organic, commercial vegetable production growing for the on-site restaurant, shop, and a local wholesaler. The market garden is surrounded by the renowned 3,500 acre rewilding project that has been running for over 20 years. We reflect the principles of the rewilding project with regenerative growing practices, including use of cover cropping, living mulches and promoting biodiversity wherever we can.
We’re looking for an experienced grower to help lead on all aspects of the site operations. Our site is on heavy clay soil, which brings its own set of challenges, so familiarity with this soil type and a progressive approach to soil management is highly desirable. The site has enjoyed a record year in 2025 with fantastic cropping, quality and profitability. Following this, planning work is under way for 2026 for 40 different crops but the successful individual will have the opportunity to present any significant changes for 2027 onwards if desired.
The growing team is four people strong and you will work alongside three existing team members. There is the potential for a co-head grower if the skills dovetail with existing team members and this is desired by the applicant.
Experience required
- Essential: experience of commercial horticulture with practical experience of propagation and managing a diverse range of crops through all stages of growth to harvest.
- Essential: an understanding of cropping for value and what it takes to make a commercial operation work.
- Essential: experience of managing a small team and an understanding of basic HR practices. Support available.
- Essential: comfortable with IT. We use Xero for invoicing; Workforce for logging hours and social media platforms for marketing. Training available.
- Desirable: experience with a tractor and a range of small-scale machinery.
- Desirable: experience collaborating with chefs and other routes to market.
- Desirable: experience managing SA organic certification.
- Desirable: experience growing and harvesting cut flowers.
- Desirable: experience working with volunteers and speaking to the public about growing practices.
Person specification
- Open-minded with a positive attitude towards working outdoors in all seasons.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in a small team.
- Good observation, attention-to-detail, precision, and speed.
- Strong organisational skills, ability to self-manage and plan ahead.
Benefits: 28 days paid holiday, pension, statutory sick pay, staff yoga, pilates, free vegetables for personal consumption, free hot drinks, discounts in restaurant and shop. Accommodation possible to be negotiated separately.
Head Grower Knepp Estate in England employer: Organic Growers Alliance
Organic Growers Alliance is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and inspire a team in sustainable agriculture within the beautiful setting of Badminton. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide hands-on training for trainees and volunteers, alongside competitive daily salaries, bonuses, and inclusive accommodation, fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values organic practices and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Grower Knepp Estate in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the horticulture industry, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have experience with specific crops or soil management techniques, create a portfolio showcasing your work. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps us see your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Knepp Estate and its rewilding project. Understand their values and practices, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Grower Knepp Estate in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Growing:When you're writing your application, let your love for horticulture shine through! Share your experiences with different crops and how you've tackled challenges in the past. We want to see your enthusiasm for organic farming and how you can contribute to our mission at Knepp Market Garden.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with heavy clay soil and any innovative practices you've implemented. We appreciate candidates who take the time to align their skills with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear About Your Team Experience:Since you'll be managing a small team, it's important to showcase your leadership skills. Talk about your previous experiences in team management and how you've fostered collaboration. We value strong communication, so make sure to convey that in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what we do at Knepp Estate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨Know Your Soil
Familiarise yourself with heavy clay soil management techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with soil health and how you've tackled challenges in the past. This will show that you understand the unique conditions of the Knepp Market Garden.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a small team in previous roles. Highlight your understanding of basic HR practices and how you foster a positive team environment. This is crucial since you'll be working closely with three existing team members.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your experience in commercial horticulture, especially regarding cropping for value. Discuss how you've maximised profitability in past projects and any innovative ideas you have for the future of the market garden.
✨Get Tech-Savvy
Brush up on your IT skills, particularly with software like Xero and Workforce. Mention any experience you have with social media marketing, as this will be beneficial for promoting the market garden. Showing you're comfortable with technology will give you an edge.
