S&A Produce is the UK's largest independent strawberry grower; 1 in 7 of the strawberries you buy comes from us, and 1 in 10 blueberries. We are looking for an experience Soft fruit/berry grower to join our team in Brierley (near Leominster) as Head of Growing.
Responsible for the growing team, growing top quality high yielding strawberry and blueberry crops that meet the requirements of retail supermarket customers. To ensure crop husbandry, production targets & timings are adhered to in all areas. Managing, developing and monitoring the growing teams performance in order to optimise the cycle of plant delivery through to harvest.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
– Ensure that all purchased plants meet S&A quality specification. Report any problems to the Head of Soft Fruit Growing immediately.
– Be able to create crop plans in various growing situations, glasshouses, heated tunnels, and traditional tunnels. Be able to long term forecast for the commercial department. Be able to problem solve crop issues and have solutions to rectify problems
– Together with the operations team plan and deliver crop costs against the annual husbandry tasks and labour requirements. Implement irrigation, fertigation and plant protection products as required throughout the season and maintain records to enable future analysis and improvements. Ensure that spraying is in compliance with current legislation and agreed guidelines.
– Extensive knowledge of Biologicals and pests. Able to create yearly biological programs. Recommend spray programs that work together with biologicals. Environmental assessments of crop surroundings
– Report monthly against budget on all inputs. Maintain all records as required. Able to lead and participate in any audits.
5.
* Lead the Herefordshire growing teams and support, inform and direct the teams by highlighting business priorities and customer requirements.
* Maintain a culture of continuous improvements across the Herefordshire Farms. Evaluate all processes continuously and identify opportunities for improvements with the team through an engaging style of management. Strive to continuously increase value to the customers, the company and employees by enhancing OTIF (On Time In Full) performance.
Procedures - Ensure self-compliance to all Company and Statutory Rules, Policies and Procedures and enforce on personnel within under your responsibility.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (how job success will be assessed)
Planting targets are delivered. All crop growing operations are completed to the S&A required standard, adhering to the correct techniques and procedures.
Crop Quality - percentage of first class product relative to that predicted/budgeted and total harvestable crop volume.
Ensure that the crops are maintained in a disease and pests-free manner. As a minimum, budgets and yields are delivered against target.
All records are kept up to date. Traceability of plants and operations is achieved.
Proactive communication of any issues to the relevant personnel and working to overcome such issues.
Staff stability and turnover of the growing team is a key factor to this role.
KEY SKILLS & BEHAVIOURS
– Practical and decisive. Understands how an effective and efficiently run growing operation can contribute to stronger overall business profitability. Has a comprehensive understanding of modern protected soft fruit growing techniques.
* Managing a number of closely located production areas of soft fruit will require a grower with attention to detail and dedication. Plans and organises meticulously to ensure successful outcomes in terms of adherence to quality, cost and time frame parameters.
– An enthusiastic and experienced hands-on grower who is a strong communicator both within and outside the Growing team. Able to develop productive working relationships with colleagues in other parts of the business and has excellent team building
FACTS, BASIS, PRIVA, PA1, 2, 6a and b. preferable.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £55,000.00-£70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site gym
Work Location: In person