At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead crop planning and production while promoting sustainable growing practices.
- Company: Join a community-focused centre dedicated to social and environmental values.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and engage with diverse communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food growing and support local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in food growing and a passion for sustainability required.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Growing & Production Leadership
- Lead crop planning, seasonal production and day-to-day growing across glasshouses and outdoor beds.
- Improve consistency, yield and quality of produce while working within agroecological principles.
- Contribute to strengthening commercial and wholesale routes while aligning with the centre’s social and environmental values.
- Maintain high standards of crop health, soil care, composting and biodiversity.
Public Engagement & Site Activity
- Support and contribute to public-facing activity at Wolves Lane, including farm tours, workshops, open days, and community events. (Note: Wolves Lane is not currently open on Saturdays; occasional evening or weekend activity may be required around key events, planned in advance.)
- Act as an ambassador for Wolves Lane Centre, engaging confidently with visitors, volunteers, partners and funders during events and day-to-day site activity.
- Work closely with colleagues to ensure growing activity supports learning, volunteering and community engagement programmes.
Team Support & Learning Environment
- Provide day-to-day supervision and support for food growers, apprentices/trainees and sessional workers.
- Integrate learning into production, ensuring the site functions as a working training environment.
- Work alongside volunteers in a way that supports both productivity and skill development.
- Foster an inclusive and respectful working culture.
Site & Systems
- Support organisation of growing spaces, tools and materials.
- Lead on the record keeping related to crops, yields and production systems.
- Work collaboratively on infrastructure and improvements that support long-term resilience of the site.
Working in a Shared, Community Context
- Work in coordination with Consortium partners and site users.
- Ensure growing activities sit respectfully within a multi-user, community-focused site.
- Contribute to the centre’s wider vision as a space that supports Black, Brown and other minority communities in land-based work.
Health, Safety & Good Practice
- Follow and support good practice in health and safety across growing areas.
- Model safe tool use, manual handling and site procedures.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming working environment.
Other
- To attend and participate in internal and external meetings as required.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies, including safeguarding, health and safety and equality at all times.
- To attend relevant training to fulfil the requirements of the job.
- To undertake other duties which may from time to time be required and which are appropriate to the responsibilities of the post.
Person Specification
Essential
- Significant practical experience in food growing or market gardening with a minimum of 2 full commercial growing seasons.
- Strong knowledge of agroecological or sustainable growing methods.
- Experience supervising or supporting others in a growing environment.
- Ability to balance productivity with a learning or community context.
- Good organisational skills and ability to manage seasonal workloads.
- Commitment to working with diverse communities and in an inclusive environment.
- Confidence working outdoors year-round in a physical role.
Desirable
- Experience working in an urban or community-based growing project.
- Experience working with apprentices, trainees or volunteers.
- Experience supplying wholesale or commercial customers.
Food Growing Lead in London employer: Ubele Initiative CIC
Contact Detail:
Ubele Initiative CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Growing Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the site before your interview. Visit Wolves Lane if you can, chat with staff or volunteers, and soak up the vibe. This will help you understand their values and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some questions that reflect your passion for agroecological principles and community engagement. Ask about their current projects or how they involve local communities. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but want to be part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences in food growing or market gardening. Highlight how you've balanced productivity with learning and community involvement. We love hearing about real-life applications!
✨Tip Number 4
After your interview, don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Growing Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Growing: When you're writing your application, let your love for food growing shine through! Share your experiences and what got you into this field. We want to see your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and community engagement.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in agroecological methods and any supervisory roles you've had. This helps us see how you fit into our vision at Wolves Lane.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Wolves Lane.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ubele Initiative CIC
✨Know Your Crops
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of agroecological principles and sustainable growing methods. Be ready to discuss specific crops you've worked with, their growing conditions, and how you've improved yield and quality in past roles.
✨Engage with the Community
Since public engagement is key for this role, think about your past experiences interacting with visitors or community members. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led workshops or farm tours, and be ready to share your ideas for future community events.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This position involves supervising food growers and apprentices, so come prepared with examples of how you've supported others in a growing environment. Highlight your ability to foster an inclusive culture and how you've balanced productivity with learning opportunities.
✨Be Organised and Ready to Adapt
With seasonal workloads and the need for good organisational skills, think about how you've managed your time and resources in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you handle unexpected challenges and ensure that your growing activities align with the centre's values.