HEAD GROWER, GREAT MARKET GARDEN, Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Organic Growers Alliance; Cirencester; On-site; GBP 25,200 - 30,800; Part time

Job summary

Organic Growers Alliance is looking for an experienced Head Grower to oversee the commercial growing operations at the GREAT Market Garden. This role requires strong leadership and the ability to manage day-to-day activities, from propagation to harvesting, while ensuring sustainable practices.

Applicants should have at least three seasons of commercial growing experience, a proven track record in vegetable sales, and solid marketing skills. The position is self-employed, offering £15.00 per hour for a full-time commitment of 37.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• 3+ seasons of commercial growing experience required.
• Proven track record in vegetable sales.
• Knowledge of no-till and regenerative farming systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the market garden.
• Plan and forecast crop production.
• Create a commercial veg box scheme.

Skills

Commercial growing experience

Crop production planning

Marketing skills

Good communication skills

IT skills

Education

Qualification in agroecological farming or horticulture

Tools

MS Office

BCS tractor

Irrigation systems

Job description

Job Overview

We are now seeking an experienced Head Grower to lead the GREAT Market Garden’s commercial growing, with support from other members of the Gloucestershire project team. This post will suit a passionate and highly motivated individual who is ready to take on a high‑profile project, build on its success, and help ensure it has a thriving and sustainable future.

Key Responsibilities

• Day to day management of the market garden, including propagation, planting, irrigation, harvesting, and composting
• Planning and forecasting crop production to ensure economic viability
• Creation of veg box scheme or similar commercial enterprise from existing customers
• Consolidate and build on existing relationships with local retailers and hospitality, including local delivery within a 20 mile radius
• Collaborate with FWAG SW project team to facilitate agroecological learning
• Work in partnership with the RAU kitchens, conferencing and teaching teams to maximise co‑benefits
• Scope to develop the role through additional enterprises on the site

Person Specification

Essential

• At least 3 seasons of commercial growing experience
• Proven track record of veg sales as a grower
• Knowledge of no‑till systems and agroecological/regenerative farming
• Able to establish and manage efficient systems and work processes
• Marketing skills and experience to develop brand identity for commercial enterprises
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good IT skills including using social media, MS Office (Excel, Word) and e‑mail
• Ability to successfully manage the commercial aspects of growing, such as finances, budgeting and invoicing, and health and safety requirements
• Good organisational skills, including record keeping and data monitoring

Desirable

• A qualification linked to agroecological farming, horticulture or the environment
• Experience of working in the food industry or hospitality
• Basic use and maintenance of key market garden infrastructure (e.g. a BCS tractor, generator, solar panels, irrigation, polytunnels, and no‑dig beds and paths)

Terms and Condition of Employment

Pay and hours

• Self‑employed at a rate of £15.00 per hour
• Initial fixed term of 6 months, with option to extend subject to funding
• Working hours: full‑time 37.5 hours per week maximum within normal daytime working hours, although flexible working and/or job share will also be considered

Travel / expenses

• Must have access to a vehicle for business purposes with the appropriate insurance
• Expected to travel/commute between your home and the market garden at your own expense and in your own time
• Business miles (e.g. for delivery scheme) may be reclaimed at 45p for the first 7,500 miles in any one year and 25p per mile thereafter

Procedure for Application

Please provide a CV and covering letter, detailing your suitability for the role. Please ensure that the information you provide correlates as closely as possible to the requirements of the job, as detailed in the Key Responsibilities and Person Specification above.

Please send your application to: [e-mail] by the closing date of Monday 9th February 2026.

Further Information

The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Southwest Limited (FWAGSW) is a registered charity which offers advice to farmers and landowners on the integration of commercial farming practices with environmental management. For more information visit http://www.fwagsw.org.uk.