Growing and Operations Manager

More People; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainable farming company in the UK is seeking an Operations & Growing Manager to oversee their pilot site. The role involves managing site operations, running crop trials, and compliance. Ideal candidates will have experience in commercial growing and data analysis. This position offers a pathway for career progression within a passionate team that values your input.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Competitive salary

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial growing, ideally in glasshouse or vertical farming.
• Data confident, able to analyze results effectively.
• Comfortable with compliance processes, ideally HACCP/BRCGS.

Responsibilities

• Manage site operations and ensure smooth daily operations.
• Run structured crop trials and analyze data.
• Improve SOPs for growing and site operations.

Skills

Commercial growing experience

Data analysis using Excel

Understanding of processes and compliance

Strong communication

Problem-solving

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 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.

The 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 be making sure daily operations run smoothly while also playing a central role in developing their commercial facility.

Working closely with the founder and a team of experienced growers and agronomists, your responsibilities will include:

• 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 - their commercial site is likely to be based in the Midlands, so you'll be able to move as this develops.
• 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.

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 01780 480530, email [e-mail], 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.