Growing Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading soft fruit producer in the UK is seeking a Growing Assistant to support all aspects of raspberry and blueberry production. The ideal candidate will manage teams, coordinate logistics, and ensure high crop quality. Full training is provided for those with a passion for fresh produce. The role offers a competitive hourly wage of £14 to £16 and chances for professional growth in a progressive environment. A full clean UK driving license is required.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Opportunities for training and development

Accommodation available

Qualifications

• Experience in soft fruit production is beneficial, full training provided.
• Strong organisational and planning skills are essential.
• Confident in managing and motivating groups of people.

Responsibilities

• Support the Production Manager in raspberry and blueberry production.
• Manage and train staff, monitor crop quality.
• Coordinate daily logistics of work teams.

Skills

Experience in soft fruit production

Practical, hands-on approach

Strong organisational and planning skills

Confident in managing teams

Positive and adaptable

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

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 of the Job:

Herefordshire

Salary and Benefits Package:

• 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.

As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, we do require that ALL applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification which is relevant and necessary for the job that you are applying for.

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.