Growing And Operations Manager

MorePeople; Chilton Polden; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering agricultural firm is seeking an Operations & Growing Manager in Somerset, England. This role involves managing daily site operations, leading a new commercial facility, and requires experience in commercial growing. The candidate must be data-confident and willing to relocate. This position offers competitive salary and real potential for career progression within a small, supportive team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career progression opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Ability to relocate for the commercial site.
• Experience in commercial growing; soft fruit experience is a plus.
• Data-confident with Excel for analysis.
• Familiarity with HACCP/BRCGS preferred.
• Proactive, resilient, and self-sufficient.
• Strong communicator across teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations at the pilot site in Somerset.
• Lead the first large-scale commercial facility in the Midlands.
• Run structured crop trials and analyze data.
• Maintain compliance and support audits.
• Monitor KPIs like yield and energy use.

Skills

Relocation ability

Commercial growing experience

Data analysis (Excel)

Process compliance knowledge

Proactive and resilient

Strong communication skills

Job description

Operations & Growing Manager

Soft Fruit

Somerset / Midlands

This isn't just another growing job. It's your opportunity to play a key role in a sustainable farming project that's changing how fresh produce is grown in the UK – with clear progression as the business scales up.

Backed by established growers and the energy sector, they are approaching vertical farming from a different angle – not just as agriculture, but as part of the energy industry.

After four years of successful trials and close collaboration with customers, they are now ready to take the next step. You'll be joining at a pivotal time, with the chance to be part of something truly exciting.

Role

You'll take ownership of their pilot site in Somerset for 12‑18 months, before moving to lead the first large‑scale commercial facility in the Midlands. Whilst in Somerset, you’ll ensure daily operations run smoothly and play a central role in developing their commercial facility.

• Managing site operations including lighting, irrigation, fertigation, harvest, and labour.
• Running structured crop trials and analysing data to inform large‑scale processes.
• Writing, rolling out, and improving SOPs for growing and site operations.
• Maintaining compliance and supporting audits.
• Leading daily meetings, shift planning, and ensuring accurate record‑keeping.
• Monitoring KPIs (yield, energy use, cost per kg, labour efficiency) and driving improvements.
• Supporting the design and set‑up of a new commercial facility.

This role will evolve quickly – within 12‑18 months you could be stepping up into a bigger leadership position as the business scales.

About you

• Ability to relocate – the commercial site will likely be based in the Midlands.
• Experience in commercial growing – glasshouse or vertical farming. Soft fruit is a bonus, but transferable crop knowledge is just as valuable.
• Data‑confident – able to use Excel to analyse results and make decisions.
• Comfortable with processes and compliance – ideally familiar with HACCP/BRCGS or similar.
• Proactive, resilient, and self‑sufficient – someone who spots issues early and takes ownership.
• A strong communicator who enjoys working across technical and growing teams.
• Trials experience would be beneficial but is not essential.

What's in it for you?

• A rare chance to join a business tackling both food security and sustainability.
• Career progression – real potential for promotion within 2 years.
• Competitive salary.
• Be part of a small, passionate, and supportive team where your input really matters.

How to Apply

For an informal chat, please call Sarah or drop me a message on LinkedIn.

Don’t worry if your CV isn’t up to date – just send what you have, and we’ll take it from there.