This is a newly created position at a progressive site combining commercial glasshouse production, new polytunnel production, robotics and sustainable farming technology. With significant expansion underway, the role will play a pivotal part in shaping how the operation performs as it grows.
The Opportunity
The Production Manager will take ownership of the day-to-day management, performance and welfare of a large seasonal workforce, which will reach more than 230 employees at peak.
Working through a team of Glasshouse Supervisors and a Robotics Supervisor, the Production Manager will ensure that the right people are in the right place, performing the right tasks, at the right time.
It is a role for someone who enjoys being close to the operation, making decisions, solving problems and getting the best from people and crops.
The successful candidate will:
* Deliver weekly labour plans across the glasshouse and tunnels, within budget.
* Set daily targets with the supervisory team and monitor performance.
* Manage the deployment of shared labour according to operational priorities.
* Take ownership of labour planning systems, performance data and reporting.
* Manage the seasonal workforce cycle from recruitment through to deployment.
* Operate piece-rate and bonus schemes, adapting targets to crop conditions.
* Develop Supervisors and create clear progression routes from picker to skilled roles.
* Build and develop a new husbandry team.
* Lead and develop a diverse, predominantly non-UK workforce, with a strong focus on welfare and progression.
* Work closely with Growing, Packhouse and Technical teams to ensure production targets are achieved.
* Line manage the Robotics Supervisor for day-to-day operational delivery.
* Ensure supervisory cover, development plans and effective succession are in place.
The Person
This opportunity will suit an experienced operational leader with a background in horticulture, agriculture, food production or another environment involving a large, variable workforce.
The ideal candidate will bring:
* Proven experience managing large operational teams, ideally seasonal.
* Experience leading through Supervisors rather than directly managing every employee.
* Strong planning, numeracy and labour-modelling skills.
* Confidence using labour-management systems, dashboards and performance data.
* A genuine commitment to workforce welfare, development and progression.
* A sound understanding of labour compliance and ethical employment.
* A calm, decisive and hands-on approach to operational leadership.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* A proactive approach to health & safety.
* The flexibility to work early starts and extended hours during peak periods.
English fluency is essential, while Russian or another language spoken within the workforce would be a distinct advantage.
A Role with Real Influence
This is much more than a traditional production management position.
The Production Manager will become a key operational leader at a site undergoing significant expansion, helping to establish the systems, people and culture required to deliver consistently high performance.
For an ambitious production professional who wants to develop their career within high-tech, sustainable horticulture, this represents an opportunity to take genuine ownership of a growing operation and make a visible impact from day one.
Don’t delay, get your application in now via. this website quoting ref: 6122IR or give Ian Reed a call for a confidential chat
Salary description
£50000.00 - £60000.00 per year