Job Description

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: 38,000.00-45,000.00 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 Location: In person