Growing Manager

MorePeople; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vertical farming company in the United Kingdom seeks a Grower Manager to oversee commercial crop performance across two high-tech sites. This role involves leading a team of growers, implementing innovative agronomy strategies, and managing crop trials. The ideal candidate has a degree in horticulture or similar experience in controlled environments, and a passion for enhancing crop performance. Competitive salary, 30 days leave, private healthcare, and a supportive work environment offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

30 days annual leave

Private healthcare scheme

7% pension increasing by 1% each year capped at 10%

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing crops in controlled environments.
• Experience leading or mentoring a team.
• Strong understanding of agronomy and crop trials.

Responsibilities

• Lead all growing activity across two high-tech sites.
• Manage crop performance and trial programmes.
• Develop and implement agronomy strategies.

Skills

Commercial crop management

Team leadership

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

Relevant degree in horticulture or agriculture

Job description

Do you want full ownership of crops without fighting the weather? Ready to lead growing strategy, not just follow it?

I’m recruiting a Grower Manager for one of the most exciting and fast‑growing vertical farming businesses in the UK. This is a rare opportunity to take control of commercial growing and trial crops across two high‑tech sites, working at the cutting edge of sustainable food production.

This is not a "keep‑the‑lights‑on" growing role. You’ll shape how crops are grown, trialled, scaled and improved – combining agronomy, data and leadership in a climate‑controlled environment built for performance.

The Role

As Grower Manager, you’ll lead all growing activity across two sites, with responsibility for:

• Commercial crop performance
• Trial and innovation programmes
• Agronomy strategy and optimisation
• People leadership

You’ll manage a small but capable team – two full‑time growers and one part‑time team member – while working closely with technical and commercial stakeholders to continually improve quality, yield and consistency.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll have full end‑to‑end ownership of the growing operation, including:

• Leading the cultivation of commercial baby‑leaf and herb crops to consistently high standards
• Designing, running and scaling crop trials
• Creating and refining detailed growing protocols to ensure repeatable success
• Managing and developing your team, setting clear priorities and driving accountability
• Working closely with seed, substrate and technology partners to stay ahead of innovation

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be an experienced grower ready to lead and you’ll likely bring:

• A relevant degree or significant commercial growing experience
• Proven experience managing crops at scale, ideally in controlled environments (glasshouse, vertical or advanced horticulture)
• Confidence making decisions, solving problems and taking ownership
• Experience leading or mentoring others (formally or informally)

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who cares deeply about how crops perform – and isn’t afraid to challenge, test and improve the status quo.

Why Join?

• Innovation at its core – you’ll work with cutting‑edge technology, constantly improving and evolving.
• Sustainability‑driven – play a key role in reducing food miles, water use and land consumption.
• Fast decision‑making – work in a dynamic environment where you can have a real impact.
• Career growth – as the business scales up, exciting new opportunities will emerge – this is a great time to get on the bus.

What’s on Offer?

• Salary – competitive
• 30 days annual leave
• Private healthcare scheme
• 7% pension increasing by 1% each year capped at 10%

If you’re an experienced grower looking for a fresh challenge, this is your chance. For an informal chat about the position, please call me, Emily, 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 already, and we can sort the rest later.