At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead organic crop production and manage sales and logistics for a thriving farm.
- Company: Linley Farm, a sustainable farm delivering fresh produce to local shops and restaurants.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential accommodation, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic outdoor environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in organic 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.
Day-to-day duties will include:
- All aspects of organic growing: harvesting, packing, weeding, seeding, maintenance, seed saving, paperwork, marketing, and communicating with customers.
- Taking the lead on sales and logistics, driving the business forward, and working on both short and long-term planning with the team and estate management staff.
- Crop planning: making crop plans based on previous yields and adapting them according to weather, seed availability, and market demand.
- Marketing: responsible for marketing the vegetables, exploring new markets, and making decisions on financially viable crops.
- Logistics: organising team members around weather conditions, managing delivery logistics, and coordinating vegetable collection by our wholesaler.
- Growing: managing propagation, planting, bed preparation, weed management, pest and disease management, crop care, irrigation, fertility, tool care, and harvesting.
- Composting: assisting with composting, including building bioreactors and making compost tea/extract.
- Cut flowers: knowledge of cut flowers is a bonus, including conditioning, storing, and packaging.
- Administration: responsible for budgeting, ordering, invoicing, record keeping, and ensuring smooth Organic certification documentation.
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 employer: Organic Growers Alliance
Linley Farm is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Bishop’s Castle, offering a unique opportunity to lead organic crop production in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices while fostering a supportive work culture that values creativity and teamwork. Our commitment to quality and community engagement ensures that you will play a vital role in delivering fresh produce to local markets and restaurants, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Grower: Lead Organic Crops, Sales & Logistics
✨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 Organic Growers Alliance 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 Head Grower: Lead Organic Crops, Sales & Logistics
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 Organic Growers Alliance does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨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 Organic Growers Alliance 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 Organic Growers Alliance.
✨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 Organic Growers Alliance.
