Assistant Farm Manager

Agricultural and Farming Jobs; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK farming business is seeking an experienced Assistant Farm Manager to oversee crop production activities. The role involves planning and managing farming operations, leading a team, and maintaining compliance with agricultural standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in crop production, excellent leadership skills, and experience with farm machinery and technologies. This full-time position offers a salary of up to £50K and additional benefits including accommodation allowance.

Benefits

Accommodation allowance

Company vehicle

Professional training and development

Qualifications

• Strong background in crop production, ideally within brassicas or fresh produce.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate field teams.
• Well organised with strong problem-solving skills.
• Competent with farm machinery and agricultural technologies.
• Strong communicator, effective with non-English speaking teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of annual cropping plans including field selection and planting schedules.
• Manage and monitor crop growth and plant health.
• Oversee irrigation and nutrient management.
• Coordinate harvest scheduling in line with production requirements.
• Lead and coordinate field teams.

Skills

Crop production

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Farm machinery operation

Communication

Driving licence

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Assistant Farm Manager - Arable & Fresh Produce Production

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.

Are you an experienced and motivated agricultural professional with a passion for crop production and sustainable farming systems? Do you thrive supporting cropping programmes, leading field teams, and ensuring high standards of quality and compliance? Are you looking to develop your career within a progressive farming business?

Location

South Yorkshire

Salary & Benefits Package

• Up to £50K plus accommodation allowance and company vehicle
• Permanent, full-time position
• Seasonal peak June-October; additional hours as required
• On-site accommodation available
• Professional training and development supported

About the Company

Our client is a leading UK farming business producing high-quality organic and conventional cereals and vegetables for major retailers and wholesalers. The enterprise is committed to sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and meeting strict organic, environmental, and customer standards. Continued investment supports innovation, compliance, and long-term resilience.

The Job Role Details

You will play a key role in planning, managing, and optimising crop production activities across the farming operation. Working closely with the Farm Manager, Agronomist, and Compliance Manager, you will support cropping programmes from establishment through to harvest, lead field teams, maintain compliance, and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality crops.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of annual cropping plans including field selection, rotations, planting schedules, and variety choice
• Manage and monitor crop growth, plant health, soil conditions, pests, and diseases, ensuring timely intervention within organic standards
• Oversee irrigation, nutrient management, planting, fleecing, and weeding operations
• Coordinate harvest scheduling in line with production and quality requirements
• Conduct pre-harvest assessments including safe harvest sign‑off
• Lead, induct, and coordinate permanent and seasonal field teams
• Support labour planning, training, and performance management
• Maintain accurate field records, crop diaries, and harvest data
• Support audits from certification bodies and customers
• Contribute to risk assessments, SOP reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure all operations comply with health, safety, and environmental legislation

Ideal Candidate Skills & Qualifications

• Strong background in crop production, ideally within brassicas or fresh produce
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate field teams
• Well organised with strong problem‑solving skills
• Competent with farm machinery, field operations, and modern agricultural technologies
• Strong communicator, including working effectively with non-English speaking teams
• Full UK driving licence
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification

Desirable

• PA1/PA2 or relevant operator certificates
• Knowledge of organic farming systems, IPM, and soil health principles
• Experience with harvest planning or fresh produce supply chains
• BASIS or FACTS qualifications (or willingness to work towards them)

Working Hours

Full-time. Peak periods between June and October may require extended hours.

How to Apply

Please click on the “apply now” button.