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: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, free veggies, and wellness activities like yoga.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence future crop planning.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on sustainable farming practices.
- 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 London employer: Organic Growers Alliance
Knepp Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work within a thriving organic market garden set against the backdrop of a pioneering rewilding project. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including 28 days paid holiday, staff wellness activities, and free produce, all while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. Join our dedicated team and contribute to sustainable agriculture in a supportive environment that values your expertise and ideas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Grower Knepp Estate in London
✨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, bring it up in conversations. Share your successes and how you tackled challenges – it’ll make you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about following up! After an interview or a networking event, drop a quick message to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Grower Knepp Estate in London
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.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since you'll be working closely with a small team, it's crucial to showcase your ability to collaborate. Mention any previous experience managing a team or working alongside others in a growing environment. We value strong communication skills, so don't hold back on sharing examples of how you've fostered teamwork!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to detail your practical experience in commercial horticulture. Talk about the crops you've managed, your approach to soil management, and any relevant IT skills. The more specific you are, the better we can understand how your background aligns with our needs at Knepp Estate.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨Know Your Soil
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of heavy clay soil and its management. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the past to improve soil health and crop yield, as this will show your familiarity with the challenges the estate faces.
✨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, as this is crucial for the Head Grower position.
✨Connect with the Vision
Familiarise yourself with Knepp Estate's rewilding project and regenerative growing practices. Be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to their mission and any innovative ideas you might have for future crop planning.
✨Get Tech-Savvy
Since the role involves using IT tools like Xero and Workforce, be prepared to discuss your experience with these or similar platforms. If you have any examples of how you've used technology to streamline operations, make sure to mention them!
