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Agricultural Recruitment Specialists; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is seeking a Packhouse Manager for a busy Berkshire/Surrey operation. You will oversee day-to-day packhouse activities and a large seasonal workforce to maintain quality, efficiency and productivity.

The role requires proven packhouse management experience in fresh produce or FMCG, strong leadership and people skills, and solid knowledge of quality, food safety and traceability. NVQ2 or equivalent and UK work rights are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a busy packhouse operation in fresh produce, horticulture or FMCG.
• Experience leading a large seasonal workforce with strong leadership and people management skills.
• Understanding of fresh produce quality, food safety and traceability requirements.
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification and right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a large seasonal workforce, including training and attendance.
• Plan labour and production to meet seasonal demand.
• Maintain high standards of quality, food safety and traceability.
• Monitor productivity, waste and operational efficiency.
• Work with growing, technical, logistics and commercial teams.
• Drive continuous improvement and problem solving during peak periods.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Planning

Quality control

Problem solving

Communication

Education

NVQ Level 2

Scottish NVQ Level 2

Job description

The Job:

We are recruiting for an experienced Packhouse Manager to join a successful and progressive soft fruit business in the Berkshire/Surrey area. This is a hands‑on management role with responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of a busy, high‑volume packhouse and a large seasonal workforce. You will play a key role in maintaining quality, efficiency and productivity throughout the operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a large seasonal workforce, including training, performance and attendance
• Plan labour and production requirements to meet seasonal demand
• Maintain high standards of quality, food safety, traceability and customer requirements
• Monitor productivity, waste and operational efficiency
• Work closely with growing, technical, logistics and commercial teams
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement
• Manage operational issues and problem solve effectively during busy periods

The Company:

An established and progressive soft fruit business producing and packing high‑quality fresh produce, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency and continuous improvement.

The Candidate

• Proven experience managing a busy packhouse operation, ideally within fresh produce, horticulture or FMCG
• Experience managing a large seasonal workforce with strong leadership and people‑management skills
• Good understanding of fresh produce quality, food safety and traceability requirements
• Highly organised with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
• Able to work effectively under pressure during peak seasonal periods
• Excellent communicator with a hands‑on and proactive approach
• Minimum NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification relevant to the role
• Must have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment

The Package

• Salary £45,000 per annum DOE
• Senior role with genuine responsibility and autonomy
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on operational performance within a growing soft fruit business

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.

About Agricultural Recruitment Specialists

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is a market‑leading, specialist recruitment partner connecting top talent with leading organisations across the agriculture, farming, food and fresh produce, horticulture, environmental, and rural sectors.

Why Work With Us?

With deep industry knowledge and an extensive global network, we are uniquely positioned to connect high‑calibre professionals with forward‑thinking organisations. Our consultative approach ensures we deliver not just candidates, but long‑term value.

Connecting outstanding talent with leading organisations worldwide.