Overview
Do you have a passion for agroecological growing, social justice and the skills to lead a thriving, community focused market garden? Urban Biodiversity CIC is looking for an inspiring Market Garden Development Lead to build on the success of our veg bag scheme, Grown by Newquay Orchard, lead volunteers and drive forward our food strategy.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a regenerative, community supported agriculture (CSA) social‑business while working within an organisation deeply committed to environmental and social impact.
Hours: 37.5 hrs week, including evening or weekend work as and when needed.
Tenure: Permanent.
Reporting to: Director of Communities and Landscapes.
Job Purpose
Lead and grow the market garden enterprise at Urban Biodiversity CIC. Oversee food production, sales, and operations across two sites, ensuring high quality, year‑round vegetables for our Community Supported Agriculture customers, learners and wider community. The role combines leadership, commercial development, and agro‑ecological growth.
Key Responsibilities
* Work with the Director of Communities and Landscapes to create and deliver a business plan that aligns with the organisation’s values and goals.
* Manage budgets, income, and expenditure efficiently.
* Provide clear, regular reporting to the Senior Management Team and Board.
* Contribute to and implement marketing that attracts and retains customers.
* Build relationships with hospitality businesses, partners, and food‑sector networks.
* Support development of added‑value products and our café supply opportunities.
* Ensure all operations meet health and safety and safeguarding standards.
Crop Planning and Production
* Develop and maintain the annual crop plan using Farm Spreadsheets or All Seasons.
* Oversee sowing, planting, harvesting, and supply data recording.
* Manage site maintenance, tools, and machinery at both growing sites.
* Coordinate with the Education team to integrate crop plans into the Growing Futures programme.
* Lead staff, volunteers, and students to deliver production targets safely and efficiently.
Sales and Fulfilment
* Lead sales and customer fulfilment for veg bags and wholesale accounts.
* Source additional local produce when needed, keeping costs efficient and aligned with values.
* Build community engagement activities for customers to increase loyalty and understanding of the impact of the CSA model.
* Develop local distribution partnerships.
* Manage sales systems (e.g., Oooby) and work with finance to ensure accurate invoicing and payments.
Team Leadership
* Line‑manage the growing team.
* Plan staffing and volunteer deployment to maintain a 7‑day operation.
* Build a skilled, motivated, values‑driven team of growers, volunteers and students.
* Ensure volunteers are well recruited, inducted and supported.
* Provide inclusive opportunities for work‑experience students.
* Be the Duty Manager for the growing site at Fentenfenna Farm.
* Support ongoing learning in agro‑eco‑regenerative practice.
Organisational Responsibilities
* Work in line with the organisation’s values and policies.
* Handle information safely and appropriately.
* Promote safeguarding, equality, dignity and respect.
* Challenge inappropriate behaviour and support positive change.
* Take on additional duties when needed to support the organisation.
Experience and Skills
* Degree‑level qualification in horticulture and/or 3 years experience in a similar organisation or business.
* Strong understanding of organic, agro‑ecological, permaculture or regenerative agriculture.
* Minimum three years’ experience leading a market garden, including both growing and enterprise management.
* Experience with budgeting, sales and customer relationships.
* Strong numeracy and confidence with spreadsheets and crop planning software.
* Excellent communication and team‑working skills.
* Ability to lead inclusive teams with varied needs.
* Health and safety, safeguarding, first aid, fire safety and relevant machinery qualifications (or willingness to train).
Apply via our website.
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