Production Manager - Soft Fruits

Agricultural and Farming Jobs; Sandon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fresh produce business in Sandon is seeking a Production Manager for soft fruits. This full-time role involves planning and managing crop production activities to ensure high yields and quality standards. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership abilities, proven experience in the sector, and knowledge of agricultural protocols. This role offers a competitive salary range of £45,000 to £55,000, alongside the opportunity to make a significant impact within a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial fruit production, especially soft and stone fruit.
• Sound understanding of crop planning, harvesting, and operational excellence.
• Flexible to work weekends during peak growing periods.

Responsibilities

• Plan plant husbandry activities to maximise yield and quality.
• Lead and develop production teams to meet safety standards.
• Monitor water usage and staff administration data.

Skills

Leadership and communication

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Crop planning

Quality control

Proactive and eager to learn

Familiar with Red Tractor protocols

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Muddy Boots Farm Management Software

Harvest Manager Farm Production System

Priva irrigation systems

Job description

Production Manager - Soft Fruits Production

Full‑time permanent role based in Staffordshire, UK. Not eligible for UK visa sponsorship; Right to Work in the UK required.

Our client is a well‑established and forward‑thinking fresh produce business producing high‑quality soft and stone fruit for major UK retailers. The business is committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement, with significant investment in modern production systems, infrastructure, and people.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage plant husbandry activities to maximise yield, consistency, and fruit quality.
• Implement pest control, feeding, and spray programmes in line with guidance from the Farm Manager and Agronomist.
• Manage chemical storage, spray records, and application equipment, ensuring full compliance with legislation and assurance schemes.
• Lead, train, and develop production teams, ensuring licences, safety standards, welfare, and performance expectations are met.
• Liaise closely with the Picking Manager, neighbours, and beekeepers regarding spray plans and operational activity.
• Monitor and accurately record water usage, payroll information, and staff administration data.
• Support investigations into customer non‑compliance issues and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Promote positive public relations and maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene, and environmental stewardship.
• Oversee irrigation rigs and tunnel effectiveness, adjusting production practices in line with weather conditions and crop requirements.

Ideal Candidate Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in commercial fruit production, ideally across soft and stone fruit crops.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident and effective leader with strong communication skills, including experience working with multilingual teams.
• Sound understanding of crop planning, harvesting, and quality control.
• Familiar with Red Tractor, BRCGS, and major supermarket protocols.
• Passionate about agriculture, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Flexible to work weekends and extended hours during peak growing periods.
• Positive, proactive, eager to learn, with a strong ‘can‑do’ attitude.
• Competent using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good understanding of planning and managing crop harvesting operations.

Desirable

• PA1, PA2a, PA3a, PA6 certificates.
• Experience using Harvest Manager Farm Production System and Muddy Boots Farm Management Software.
• Experience working with Priva irrigation systems.

Working Hours

Full‑time with extended hours required during peak periods of the growing season.

Salary & Benefits Package

£45,000 to £55,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Why Join This Role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the success of a modern soft‑fruits operation. You will be part of a dedicated and experienced team, working in a dynamic environment where your leadership, technical expertise, and decision‑making will have a direct impact on crop quality, productivity, and overall business performance.

How to Apply

Please click the "apply now" button. Applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role.

The Industry (Key Words)

Production Manager, Crop Production, Fresh Produce, Soft Fruit, Stone Fruit, Commercial Horticulture, Farm Production Manager, Crop Husbandry, Pest Control, Spraying Operations, Irrigation Management, Tunnel Production, Harvest Planning, Red Tractor, BRCGS, Supermarket Compliance, Priva Irrigation Systems, Muddy Boots, Harvest Manager, Agricultural Management, Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture Jobs.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role; however, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. All applications will be handled in strict confidence and personal details will not be shared without prior consent.