Head Grower – Farm to Fork: Keythorpe Hall & Walled Garden, Leicestershire

Organic Growers Alliance; Tugby; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Head Grower to cultivate organic produce and flowers in a stunning Victorian walled garden. This role offers the opportunity to manage sustainable growing practices while collaborating closely with a dedicated team and a head chef renowned for his culinary excellence. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in organic farming, excellent planning skills, and a commitment to sustainability. With flexible seasonal hours and a supportive work environment, this position is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of sustainable agriculture and gastronomy.

Benefits

Accommodation assistance

Relocation assistance

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 3+ years of practical growing experience in market gardening.
• Experience with organic and regenerative growing methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage the growing of produce and flowers using organic methods.
• Plan and organize growing schedules and tasks.
• Communicate with the head chef about produce needs.

Skills

Practical growing experience

Organic growing methods

Sustainable agriculture

Planning and organization skills

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Team player

Ability to work outdoors

Tools

Compact tractors

Job description

Keythorpe Hall is a beautiful country house and gardens near the village of Tugby, on the Leicestershire/Rutland border. We cater for short stays and offer a gastronomic farm-to-fork experience using the best from the walled garden, local farms, and other artisan producers to groups of up to 20 guests.

Keythorpe Hall is looking for a Head Grower to join the team. We are passionate about sustainability and grow amazing produce using organic methods in a restored 2-acre Victorian walled garden. We are exploring the relationship between the kitchen and the kitchen garden and focus on heritage and unusual varieties of fruit and vegetables that our head chef will work with to produce menus for our guests and sell excess produce to local customers and restaurants. We also grow and sell cut flowers and are an active member of Flowers from the Farm.

The position is available for a permanent role with an immediate start and/or for the next growing season. There are seasonal variable hours with occasional weekend days on a rota during the growing season.

The position will report to the Owners and will require constant communication with our head chef, Bent Varming (formerly worked at the London restaurants Lyle’s and St. John and the Dusty Knuckle Bakery). We are passionate about sustainability and are looking to build a great team.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage the growing of produce and flowers using organic and sustainable methods.
2. Plan and organize growing schedules and tasks.
3. Communicate effectively with the head chef regarding produce needs.
4. Maintain the health and productivity of the garden.
5. Assist in selling excess produce to local customers and restaurants.

Minimum Requirements:

1. More than 3 years practical growing experience in a market garden or similar small-scale farm.
2. Experience with organic, regenerative, or biodynamic methods of growing.
3. A genuine interest in a sustainable approach to the growing of food and flowers.
4. High level of planning and organization skills.
5. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
6. Multi-tasking and strong organizational skills.
7. Team player who takes pride in their work.
8. Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks as directed.
9. Own reliable transport is required as public transport is extremely limited.

Hours: Seasonal working, on average 40 hours per week.
Salary: Depending on experience, £25,000-£35,000.
Accommodation & Relocation: Assistance can be provided.
Full driver's license is required, and experience with compact tractors is a bonus.