Growing And Operations Manager

Somerset, United Kingdom

Job Description

It's your opportunity to play a key role in a sustainable farming project that's changing the way fresh produce is grown in the UK - with clear progression as the business scales up.
Backed by established growers and the energy sector, they're approaching vertical farming from a different angle - not just as agriculture, but as part of the energy industry.
After four years of successful trials and close collaboration with customers, they're now ready to take the next step. You'll be joining at a pivotal time, with the chance to be part of something truly exciting.
The Role
You'll take ownership of their pilot site in Somerset, making sure daily operations run smoothly while also playing a central role in shaping their first large-scale commercial facility.
Working closely with the founder and a team of experienced growers and agronomists, you'll have plenty of support as you develop in the role.
Your responsibilities will include:

  • Managing site operations including lighting, irrigation, fertigation, harvest, and labour.
  • Running structured crop trials and analysing data to inform large-scale processes.
  • Writing, rolling out, and improving SOPs for growing and site operations.
  • Maintaining compliance and supporting audits.
  • Leading daily meetings, shift planning, and ensuring accurate record keeping.
  • Monitoring KPIs (yield, energy use, cost per kg, labour efficiency) and driving improvements.
  • Supporting the design and set-up of a new commercial facility.
This role will evolve quickly - within 12-18 months, you could be stepping up into a bigger leadership position as the business scales.
About you
  • Experience in commercial growing - glasshouse or vertical farming. Soft fruit would be a bonus, but transferable crop knowledge is just as valuable.
  • Data confident - able to use Excel to analyse results and make decisions.
  • Comfortable with processes and compliance - ideally with HACCP/BRCGS or similar.
  • Proactive, resilient, and self-sufficient - someone who spots issues early and takes ownership.
  • A strong communicator who enjoys working across technical and growing teams.
  • Trials experience would be beneficial but not essential.
  • Ability to relocate - their commercial site is likely to be based in the Midlands, so you'll be able to move as this develops.
What's in it for you?
  • A rare chance to join a business tackling both food security and sustainability.
  • Career progression - this role has real potential for promotion within 2 years.
  • Competitive salary
  • Be part of a small, passionate, and supportive team where your input really matters.
How to Apply
For an informal chat, call Sarah on 01780 480530, email sarah@morepeople.co.uk, or drop me a message on LinkedIn.
Don't worry if your CV isn't up to date-just send what you have, and we'll take it from there.
Company
MorePeople are a specialist recruitment business for the food, fresh produce, horticulture and agriculture industries. Founded in 2000 by two passionate foodies with vast experience in the industry, we're a growing team comprising of a mixture of ex-industry professionals and professional recruiters passionate about the sector.
Offering a functional approach to recruitment, we have dedicated expert teams to assist in all roles across a business;
  • Commercial
  • NPD
  • Operations
  • Technical
  • Growing
  • Agronomy
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • HR, Admin & IT
  • Rural Surveyors, Land Agents & Estate Managers
The team are committed to offering the best recruitment service for all professional roles within the sectors in which we operate.
Find out more on our website at or call us on 01780 480530.
Company info Website Telephone 01780 480530 Location Cherryholt House
Cherryholt Road,
Stamford
Lincolnshire
PE9 2EP
United Kingdom
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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD3687426
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Somerset, United Kingdom
  • Education
    Not mentioned