Growing And Operations Manager

Morepeople 01780; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainable farming company in the UK seeks an Operations & Growing Manager to oversee site operations in innovative vertical farming. You’ll manage irrigation, harvesting, and compliance while driving improvements across KPIs. The ideal candidate has experience in commercial growing and is comfortable analyzing data. This role offers real potential for career progression within 2 years, as well as being part of a supportive team focused on food security and sustainability.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career progression opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial growing, preferably in glasshouse or vertical farming.
• Comfortable with HACCP/BRCGS compliance.
• Ability to relocate to the Midlands for the commercial site.

Responsibilities

• Manage site operations for lighting, irrigation, and harvest.
• Run crop trials and analyze results for large-scale processes.
• Maintain compliance and support audits.
• Drive improvements in KPIs related to yield and efficiency.

Skills

Commercial growing experience

Data analysis using Excel

Process and compliance familiarity

Strong communication skills

Proactive problem-solving

Job description

Overview

Operations & Growing Manager

Soft Fruit
Somerset

This isn't just another growing job.

It's your opportunity to play a key role in a sustainable farming project that's changing the way fresh produce is grown in the UK - with clear progression as the business scales up.

Backed by established growers and the energy sector, they're 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're 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• Experience in commercial growing - glasshouse or vertical farming. Soft fruit would be 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 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 not essential.
• Ability to relocate - their commercial site is likely to be based in the Midlands, so you'll be able to move as this develops.

What’s in it for you?

• A rare chance to join a business tackling both food security and sustainability.
• Career progression - this role has 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, call Sarah on (phone number removed), email , 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