Senior Fruit Grower

Boxford Farms Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 1,929,000 - 2,755,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Boxford Farms Limited is seeking an experienced supervisor to lead daily fruit growing operations and drive high-quality crop production at our UK farm. You will plan irrigation and fertigation, oversee crop protection, and monitor pest and disease risk while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

The role demands strong leadership, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to motivate a growing team across seasonal workloads.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commercial fruit growing (soft fruit, top fruit, or both).
• Strong practical knowledge of irrigation, fertigation, and crop husbandry.
• Experience monitoring crop health and implementing pest/disease management strategies.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to motivate and support others.
• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• The right to work in the UK and a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day fruit growing operations to deliver high-quality crops.
• Plan and manage irrigation and fertigation programmes to maximise crop performance.
• Oversee crop protection programmes and ensure compliance with legislation.

Skills

Fruit growing experience

Irrigation & fertigation

Crop protection knowledge

Leadership & motivation

Attention to detail

Right to work in UK

UK driving licence

Job description

Join a Growing Business Producing Exceptional Fruit

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading day-to-day fruit growing operations to deliver high-quality, productive crops
• Planning and managing irrigation and fertigation programmes to maximise crop performance
• Overseeing crop protection programmes, including pesticide applications (where qualified), and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation
• Monitoring crop health, identifying pests, diseases and nutritional issues, and implementing effective control measures
• Maintaining exceptional crop quality, yields, and productivity through proactive crop management
• Supervising and supporting members of the growing team, providing guidance and sharing technical knowledge
• Carrying out additional duties to support the wider farming operation

We're Looking For Someone Who Has

• Significant experience in commercial fruit growing (soft fruit, top fruit, or both)
• Strong practical knowledge of irrigation, fertigation, and crop husbandry
• Experience monitoring crop health and implementing effective pest and disease management strategies
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to motivate and support others
• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving
• The right to work in the UK
• A full UK driving licence

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay, based on experience and qualifications
• 40–48 hours per week, depending on the season
• Overtime available, with opportunities to work up to 60 hours per week
• Overtime paid at time and a quarter after 48 hours
• Relocation package and on-site accommodation available if required
• The opportunity to play a key role within a respected and expanding fruit-growing business with opportunities for further professional development

Working Pattern

The role is seasonal in nature, so workloads will vary throughout the year. Weekend working is required during busy periods to help ensure the highest standards of crop care and production.

If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity where your expertise can make a real impact and you want to play a leading role within a forward-thinking farming business, we'd love to hear from you.