At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead all aspects of organic vegetable production and manage a small team.
- Company: Knepp Market Garden, part of a renowned rewilding project.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, pension, free veggies, discounts, and wellness activities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with chefs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable farming while enjoying the outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial horticulture and team management required.
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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the horticulture community, attend local events, and connect with people on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with specific crops or soil management techniques, be ready to discuss them in detail. Bring along examples of your work or even photos to showcase your achievements during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Knepp Estate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by researching our rewilding project and regenerative practices. Being knowledgeable about our values and how you can contribute will definitely set you apart from other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Grower Knepp Estate
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 highlight that too!
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 Crops
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the diverse range of crops you'll be managing. Be ready to discuss your experience with propagation and how you've successfully navigated the growth stages to harvest. This will show that you understand what it takes to run a commercial operation effectively.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, prepare examples of how you've led a team in the past. Highlight your understanding of basic HR practices and how you foster a positive working environment. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and support your team effectively.
✨Embrace Technology
Familiarise yourself with the IT tools mentioned in the job description, like Xero for invoicing and Workforce for logging hours. Being comfortable with these platforms will show that you're ready to integrate into their operations smoothly and can help streamline processes.
✨Connect with the Rewilding Principles
Understand the principles of rewilding and regenerative growing practices. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to promoting biodiversity and improving soil management, especially given the challenges of heavy clay soil. This will reflect your alignment with the estate's values and vision.
