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Agricultural Recruitment Specialists; Chichester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Training and development

Career progression

Job summary

A Harvest Manager position in Chichester is available through Agricultural Recruitment Specialists. The role involves planning, coordinating, and day-to-day management of the harvest function for a leading soft fruit producer.

You will work with the Production Manager and farm teams to ensure quality, food safety and efficient harvesting, with strong emphasis on people management and seasonal planning.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years' experience within the soft fruit industry.
• Experience managing seasonal teams and supervisors.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Good IT and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under pressure during peak harvest periods.
• Flexible approach to working hours in line with seasonal demands.
• Experience planning harvest schedules and labour requirements.
• Experience managing harvest budgets and productivity.
• Understanding of commercial soft fruit production.

Responsibilities

• Oversee harvest planning, labour management, and day-to-day harvest operations.
• Coordinate with Production Manager and farm teams to maintain quality and food safety.
• Monitor logistics and operational performance to ensure efficient harvests.

Skills

Harvest planning

Labour management

People management

Budgeting

Quality and food safety

Education

NVQ Level 2 (UK) or Scottish NVQ Level 2

Job description

Harvest Manager - Chichester - £38,000 - £44,000 + Bonus - Benefits

Harvest Manager - Chichester - £38,000 - £44,000 + Bonus + Benefits

The Job:

We are recruiting for a Harvest Manager on behalf of an innovative soft fruit business based in Chichester. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced harvest or production professional to join a growing farming operation, taking responsibility for the planning, coordination and day to day management of the harvest function. Working closely with the Production Manager and wider farm teams, you’ll oversee harvest planning, labour management, crop quality, logistics and operational performance, ensuring fruit is harvested efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety.

This is a fast paced leadership role that would suit someone who enjoys managing people, solving problems and delivering operational excellence within a commercial fresh produce environment.

The Company:

Our client is a leading soft fruit producer, supplying premium fruit to major UK retailers. With continued investment in people, technology and innovation, they offer excellent opportunities for career development within a progressive horticultural business.

The Candidate:

• Minimum two years' experience within the soft fruit industry
• Previous experience managing seasonal teams and supervisors
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Good IT and reporting skills
• Ability to work under pressure during peak harvest periods
• Flexible approach to working hours in line with seasonal demands
• Experience planning harvest schedules and labour requirements- Knowledge of fresh produce quality standards and food safety
• Experience managing harvest budgets and productivity
• Understanding of commercial soft fruit production

The Package:

• 5% discretionary performance bonus
• Life Assurance from Day One
• Private Medical Insurance following successful completion of a six-month probation
• Ongoing training and career development
• Opportunity to join a growing and progressive horticultural business

Working Hours:

• Flexible working hours to suit seasonal and operational requirements
• Hours will vary depending on workload, with earlier starts and later finishes required during peak harvest periods

Candidate Requirements

All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.