Harvesting Supervisor

Major Recruitment Huddersfield; York; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Harvesting Supervisor in York to lead harvesting teams in a fresh produce business. Ideal candidates should have team leadership skills and experience in fresh produce picking. The role involves ensuring high-quality operations, compliance with protocols, and managing team productivity in a fast-paced environment. Offers competitive pay and benefits, including holidays and pension contributions.

Benefits

28 days holiday per year

Contributory pension scheme

Paid overtime

Flexible development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in fresh produce picking.
• Supervisory experience on a fresh produce farm.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good IT and numerical skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Harvesting Manager in daily operations.
• Plan team schedules for optimal productivity.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene and safety protocols.
• Coach and monitor pickers' performance.
• Report disease findings to growers immediately.

Skills

People management skills

Quality assessment

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team player

Education

Advanced Food Hygiene Qualification

Degree level Education

Job description

Major Recruitment are currently seeking an Harvesting Supervisor for our client based in York. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive and fast-paced fresh produce business.

As the Harvesting Supervisor, you will play a vital role in leading and motivating harvesting teams, ensuring high-quality fresh produce picking, efficiency, and continuous improvement in growing house operations.

Assisting the Harvesting Manager manage the harvesting department by ensuring the desired pick rates for the efficient harvesting of the crops, managing the planning and organisation of the houses along with the Pickers & Placers competencies, Supervisor competencies, training and H&S and food safety for the houses.

Responsibilities

• Support the Harvesting Manager in all daily operations and cover in their absence
• Plan and organise team schedules and resources for optimal productivity
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, health & safety, and quality protocols
• Monitor and meet harvesting KPIs: weights, sizes, presentation, stem trimming
• Maintain clean, tidy and safe growing houses - "clean as you go" ethos
• Reduce waste and ensure efficient use of resources
• Coach and monitor pickers' productivity and performance daily
• Provide timely instructions and support to the harvesting team
• Ensure accurate and clear recording of harvesting data
• Identify and respond to quality or process issues quickly
• Maintain effective communication with other departments and agencies
• Train and motivate staff, ensuring high team morale and adherence to best practices
• Attend and contribute to food safety, HACCP, TACCP and VACCP activities
• Review crops and ensure no damage or waste at end of day
• Manage knife usage and compliance with the knife control procedure
• Report disease findings to growers immediately
• Forecast next-day harvesting requirements and resources

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a motivated and experienced team leader who thrives in a production-led environment. You must have strong people management skills, a sharp eye for quality, and a solution-driven approach. Flexibility is essential, as is the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and customer needs.

Essential Requirements

• Fresh produce picking experience.
• Previous experience at a supervisory level on a fresh prooduce farm.
• Good communication skills & people management skills
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good basic IT & Numerical skills
• Team player

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Advanced Food Hygiene Qualification
• Degree level Education

Hours: Circa 48 hours per week (5/7 days to suit business needs, overtime during peak periods will be required. Weekend work as required)
Salary: 13.50ph
Benefits:

• 28 days holiday per year (including statutory holidays)
• 3% contributory pension scheme after 3 months
• Overtime above 48 hours paid at standard rate
• Paid weekend and bank holiday work
• Flexibility and development opportunities within a dynamic team

INDAC