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
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.
