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- Tasks: Lead and manage the harvest operation on a large-scale berry farm.
- Company: A leading UK soft fruit producer with a focus on quality and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term career development, and a key leadership role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the soft fruit industry while leading a motivated team.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years’ experience in the soft fruit industry and strong people management skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours during peak harvest periods with opportunities for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading UK soft fruit producer is seeking an experienced and motivated Harvest Manager to oversee all aspects of the harvest operation on a large-scale berry farm. This is a key management role, responsible for delivering a safe, efficient, and high-quality harvest while leading and motivating a large seasonal workforce.
The Role
Reporting to the Production Manager, the Harvest Manager will be responsible for planning, organising, and managing the harvest operation from crop planning through to delivery, ensuring fruit quality, staff welfare, and budget control are maintained at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of the harvest operation, including people, planning, logistics, and quality
- Ensure all staff are trained, qualified, and working safely in line with Health & Safety requirements
- Work closely with farm and packhouse teams to align crop timings, forecasts, and daily harvest plans
- Produce detailed crop plans and labour requirements, including 3-week harvest forecasts
- Organise harvest logistics including punnets, trays, transport, drivers, and chilling
- Set and monitor picking prices and earning rates in line with company policy and minimum wage requirements
- Monitor fruit quality, handling, chilling, and shelf life standards
- Maintain accurate harvest records and understand harvest cost structures, budgets, and targets
- Lead, motivate, and develop team leaders and harvest staff to maximise efficiency
- Communicate effectively with the packhouse and other departments
Additional Responsibilities
- Support the Husbandry Department during the late autumn and winter period
- Develop a strong understanding of how all departments and sites operate within the wider business
- Represent the company brand and values at all times
- Take responsibility for personal development
- Undertake additional duties as required to support the business
Skills & Experience Required
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in the soft fruit industry
- Proven experience managing teams and individuals
- Strong organisational, communication, and computer skills
- Flexible approach to working hours, including peak harvest periods
- Strong focus on quality, efficiency, and people management
What They Offer
- A key leadership role within a well-established soft fruit business
- The opportunity to work with high-quality crops and experienced teams
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Long-term career development opportunities within the business
Harvest Manager in Chichester employer: Redfox Executive Selection Ltd
Contact Detail:
Redfox Executive Selection Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Harvest Manager in Chichester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get chatting with folks in the soft fruit industry, whether at events or online. 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! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and ensuring quality. Bring examples of how you've led successful harvests in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in the soft fruit industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations in the industry. Being able to discuss how you ensure staff welfare and safety will set you apart from the competition.
We think you need these skills to ace Harvest Manager in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your 2+ years in the soft fruit industry. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role of Harvest Manager, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you can manage harvest operations and lead a team effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your potential future with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Redfox Executive Selection Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the soft fruit industry. Understand the key challenges and trends, especially around harvest operations. Being able to discuss these topics will show that you're not just experienced but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated staff or improved efficiency. This role is all about leading a large seasonal workforce, so demonstrating your leadership style will be crucial.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills related to logistics and quality control. Prepare scenarios where you had to make quick decisions during peak harvest times. This will help you illustrate your ability to handle the pressures of the job.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked how you would communicate with different departments, so think about how you can bridge gaps between teams like the farm and packhouse.
