Growing Assistant

Menter a Busnes; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading soft fruit producer in Herefordshire is looking for a Growing Assistant to supervise production of raspberries and blueberries. The ideal candidate will manage teams, coordinate logistics, and ensure crop quality while working in a supportive environment. Full training provided; passion for fresh produce is essential. A full UK driving licence is required. Competitive hourly rate and accommodation available.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Permanent, full-time position

Opportunities for training and professional development

Accommodation available

Qualifications

• Experience in soft fruit production beneficial; full training provided.
• Practical and hands-on approach required.
• Strong organisational and planning skills needed.
• Confident in managing and motivating groups of people essential.
• Innovative thinking and passion for the industry are key.

Responsibilities

• Support the Production Manager across all aspects of production.
• Coordinate logistics and supervise staff.
• Monitor crop quality and assist with new growing projects.
• Manage, train, and monitor performance of seasonal staff.

Skills

Soft fruit production experience

Hands-on problem-solving

Organisational skills

Group management

Positive attitude

Innovative thinking

Russian or Bulgarian language skills

UK driving licence

Job description

Overview

Growing Assistant - Soft Fruit Production

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Are you an enthusiastic and hands-on individual with a passion for fresh produce and soft fruit production? Do you have experience in growing or harvest operations, with the ability to manage and motivate teams? Are you looking to build a long-term career within a progressive, high-performing soft fruit business?

Location

Herefordshire

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate between £14 - £16 (depending on experience)
• Permanent, full-time position
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Accommodation available for the right candidate

Additional Information

This role would suit candidates currently working as a Harvest Supervisor, Assistant Grower, or Growing Technician within the fresh produce or soft fruit industry, who are keen to progress within a supportive, quality-driven environment.

About the Company

Our client is a successful and progressive soft fruit producer supplying raspberries and blueberries to leading UK supermarkets. With over 500 tonnes of fruit produced annually and a seasonal workforce of over 220, the business grows, harvests, and packs all produce on site from April to November. This is a well-structured business offering excellent long-term career opportunities.

Growing Assistant - The Job Role Details

You will support the Production Manager and wider management team across all aspects of raspberry and blueberry production, from growing through to harvest. The role will involve coordinating logistics, supervising staff, monitoring crop quality, and assisting with new growing projects.

Growing Assistant - Key Responsibilities

• Carry out husbandry and growing jobs (e.g. tunnel construction, support systems, maintenance, and new projects)
• Monitor growing and harvest operations
• Manage, train, and monitor performance of supervisors and seasonal staff
• Coordinate daily logistics of work teams
• Host induction and training sessions for new employees
• Monitor and report on health and safety compliance
• Maintain accurate production records
• Provide cover for the Harvest Assistant when required

Growing Assistant - Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in soft fruit production (growing or harvest) - beneficial, but full training provided
• Practical, hands-on approach with problem-solving ability
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Confident in managing and motivating groups of people
• Positive, adaptable, and willing to learn
• Innovative thinking with a passion for the fresh produce industry
• Russian or Bulgarian language skills would be an advantage (not essential)
• A full, clean UK driving licence is required

Working Hours

• Off-season (winter): Monday-Friday, 39 hours per week
• Peak season (April-November): Extended hours and weekend work will be required

How to Apply

Please click on the "apply now" button or email your CV

Keywords

The Industry (Key Words): Growing Assistant, Assistant Grower, Harvest Supervisor, Soft Fruit, Raspberry, Blueberry, Seasonal Labour Management, Fruit Growing, Farm Operations, Fresh Produce, Horticulture, Quality Control, Agriculture Jobs

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. Rest assured your application will be handled in complete confidence and your personal details will not be shared with any third party without your prior consent.

About Us

Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide expert recruitment, headhunting, and job advertising services across agriculture, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education sectors across the UK and internationally.