Fruit Growing Manager
Place UK
Norwich, NR12 8RQ
Job Description
At Place UK, we aren’t just about the sweetness of strawberries, Place UK has built a solid reputation as one of Britain’s leading fruit growers and suppliers, we have expanded our range to include beans and pulses through acquisitions, we are shaping the future of Fresh & frozen food and have ambitious growth plans.
Our values are what define us, we have Pride in everything we do and when it comes to our people, we are passionate about you being you, we are committed to developing your personal and professional growth.
Our exceptionally diverse workforce is internationally recognised for their quality, reliability and flexibility, and make Place UK what it is today. We have an on-site canteen, gym, sporting facilities, and a shop. If you want to be part of an award-winning, forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you!
Job Description
Job Title: Growing Manager
Reporting To: Head of fresh
Hours per week / Pattern: TBC -on average 48 hours per week
Location; Tunstead, Norfolk
Job Summary/Purpose: To achieve the agreed financial and production targets for the fruit enterprises for which you are responsible for, and other objectives as may be agreed. Responsibility for the life of all our fruit crops.
KPI Drivers; TBC
Essential / Desirable Qualifications / Experience;
Person Specification.
Live by the Company values, a motivated person who will create a positive impact on our business and customers. You will be an advocate for our business, being a brilliant ambassador for all things people orientated. You will be have attention to detail, be able to work independently as well as with a team.
Key Responsibilities.
Health and Safety:
• Promote and support a safe working environment.
• Escalate any safety issues immediately to Line Manager.
• Adhere to all health and safety requirements, at all times.
Food Safety:
• Adhere to and ensure all staff adhere to Business Food Safety Standards at all times.
• Escalate any potential Food Safety issues immediately.
Growing:
Active involvement in growing all fruit crops in collaboration with the Farm Manager
Involvement and responsibility in any propagation of plants carried out in Place UK
Crop Inspection:
Crop inspection for pests and diseases. Crop walks with Berry Gardens and consultant agronomists.
Planning and direction of applications for necessary predators and beneficial insects.
Taking and sending samples of growing media, plants, leaves, flowers, water, pests and anything else required for the health of the crops by Farm Management
To be responsible for placing and regularly checking and monitoring traps for pests and diseases within the fruit crops agreed with Head of fresh
Management:
Overseeing the husbandry work within the Farm, including setting tasks and piecework rates for husbandry teams with the agreement of the Head of fresh
Working on forwarding plans with the Farm Management to see future growth and labour required
Managing the environmental control in any permanent structures where production is grown with the help of the Farm Management
Projects:
To be involved and have input on new projects for the Farm, e.g. heated/protected cropping and season extension
To be involved in, and in many cases leading, on growing related trial work, i.e. variety trials, new growing methods, new husbandry methods and labour-saving ideas
To be involved in, and in many cases, leading on growing related trial work on alternative crops
To interact with Berry Gardens and plant raisers regarding plant timings for planting, new plant quality and volumes
Strategy:
Develop and implement strategies with the agreement of the Head of Fresh. Then, continually review and adjust the strategies in line with internal and external changes
Have a proactive approach to new business and product development, including trial work, visiting research stations, networking with other growers and industry stakeholders and keeping updated with press information
Continuous Improvement:
Identify possible business developments and keep informed of any new developments and modern production techniques
Site Communications & Engagement:
Engage & build good working relationships with employees on-site, including other departmental managers
People Management :
• Development of your team and Performance Management for your direct reports
• Succession Planning
• Act as coach / mentor to other colleagues
• Drive Initiatives through continuous improvement.
• Manage Employee Relations cases such as Absence management, in line with policy.
Salary
£45-60,000 per annum
Attendance
On site, Tunstead
Hours
minimum 40 hours. Varied depending on season
How to apply
email kerrye@placeuk.com