Overview
On behalf of a prestigious client, Temp All Staffing is seeking a disciplined and strategic Harvest & Labour Manager to join their Colchester-based team. In this vital role, you will be the driving force behind the harvest’s success—balancing production volume and precise timing with cost-effective labour management to maximise profitability. You will ensure every yield meets the highest quality standards, maintaining the reputation our client is known for. Beyond the logistics, you are a leader. You will manage, inspire, and oversee a large seasonal workforce, ensuring all operations remain efficient, safe, and fully compliant with UK legislation..
Job Role
1. Volume & Timing (Sales)
1. Harvest Planning: Create and implement picking plans synchronised with spray programs and harvest intervals.
2. Yield Management: Ensure accurate yield estimations are recorded and communicated to the wider management team.
3. Workforce Oversight: Manage the seasonal workforce to meet all deadlines and maintain field hygiene to maximise Class 1 yields.
4. Logistics: Coordinate daily worker rotas, transport, and site logistics.
5. Administration: Monitor and record worker performance, attendance, sickness, and training.
2. Costs & Profitability
6. Performance Tracking: Manage daily and weekly worker performance against targets and budgets.
7. Operational Efficiency: Implement lean working practices to eliminate production loss and reduce waste.
8. Financial Reporting: Report regularly to the Senior Farm Business Manager on labour costs vs. budget.
3. Quality & Customer Satisfaction
9. Supermarket Standards: Educate and support supervisors to ensure all fruit meets strict supermarket specifications.
10. Cold Chain Integrity: Monitor carting and cold chain operations to protect fruit quality post-harvest.
11. Training: Deliver worker and supervisor training in line with company procedures and values.
12. Internal Communication: Liaise with the Growing and Production departments to resolve any quality issues in the field or packhouse.
4. Team Leadership
13. Supervision: Provide supervisors with the necessary tools (timesheets, radios, PPE) and instructions to succeed.
14. Reviews: Conduct regular site meetings and seasonal performance reviews for the supervisor team.
15. Motivation: Support and motivate the workforce to achieve goals in a fair and positive work environment.
5. Legislation & Compliance
16. Labour Laws: Manage hours in accordance with Working Time Regulations Health & Safety: Follow all H&S policies, risk assessments, and hygiene rules; report any breaches immediately. GDPR: Act as a data processor, ensuring all personal worker data is handled in strict accordance with Data Protection legislation.
Your Experience/ Requirements
17. Previous experience as a Harvest and Labour Manager
18. Must drive due to location