Nursery Assistant Crop Manager

Job Summary

On site accommodation required.

Please do not contact if you are a recruitment agency.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Crop Manager to oversee the cultivation and management of agricultural crops. The ideal candidate will possess strong management and leadership skills, with a background in growing crop. This role involves supervising staff, coordinating crop production activities, and ensuring the efficient operation of the crop areas. The successful applicant will play a vital role in maintaining high standards of crop quality while fostering a safe and productive environment.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Growing Strategy / Preparation

Tasks related to planning, forecasting, and preparing for plant production.

· Produce quality plants on a planned, efficient, commercial basis across Valley Grown Nurseries.

· Coordination with the Commercial department

· Learn and understand growing strategies with crop management computer system (Hoogendoorn).

· Assist with seed, plant varieties, and trials.

· Understand and assist the Nursery Crop Manager with forecasting of crop production on a weekly/monthly basis.

· Assist crop manager with end-of-season report.

· Forecasting labour requirements (number of employees and average weekly hours) and related costs over the growing season.

· Assist keeping up to date with any stock needed and chemical usage (fertilisers, chemicals, etc.).

· Conduct reports of any crop trials.

· Bio control research.

· Working in conjunction with the technical department for accreditations (LEAF, AP/Red Tractor).

· Assist with purchasing/price negotiations.

· Prepare weekly reports on production performance and plans for the coming week.

Growing

Tasks directly involved in the active growing and production process.

· Conduct feed mixes for the plants.

· Amending feed charts based on drip and drain test results.

· Check drips and drains biweekly and send samples to Holland.

· Filling the acid tank (5,000L) safely following health and safety procedures.

· Refilling sulphur burners and aspirated screens.

· PA1 & PA6 licenced – used to sign off spray records.

· Forklift licenced – move harvested crops, skips, unload lorries, move nutrients.

· Weigh pallets and complete paperwork for cold store.

· Liaise with production managers on quality issues (size, weight, shape, colour).

· Assist with emergency call out for alarms on the Hoogendoorn system.

· Respond to alarms out of hours.

Maintenance of Plants and Quality

Tasks related to plant health, hygiene, site condition, and production quality.

· Maintenance and quality assurance of commercial plant production across all sites including pest, disease, and weed control programmes.

· Ensure food safety and quality is paramount.

· Oversee safe and effective operation of all equipment and ensure compliance with health & safety regulations.

· Liaise with in-house maintenance department and external contractors as needed.

· Responsible for cleanliness of the site, including irrigation room, boiler room, and surrounding areas.

· Joint responsibility for the presentation, cleanliness, and hygiene of the nursery.

· Process disposal of chemical bottles with licensed waste contractors.

· Ensure compliance with all service regulations and safety procedures.

Clean Up

· Operate roof washer and respond to alarm calls

· End of season procedures, including crop clearance and sterilisation of the glasshouse in preparation for the following season.

People Management

Tasks related to staffing, team leadership, communication, and organisational responsibilities.

· Ensure effective management is in place during absences; maintain strong communication among managers.

· Be a team player within the nursery management team and wider company.

· Ensure staff welfare and compliance with health & safety procedures.

· Understand performance of the production team to maximise efficiency and minimise costs (energy, water, labour).

· Oversee training of crop workers with management team.

· General admin duties as required.

· Any other duties as required.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Canteen
• Relocation assistance
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Waltham Abbey EN9 2EX: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)

Experience:

• Growing: 3 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• PA1 Pesticide Certificate (preferred)
• PA6 Spraying Licence (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person