Top & Stone Fruit Farm Manager

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural recruitment firm seeks a Top & Stone Fruit Manager to oversee operations on a 150-hectare fruit site in Kent. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in commercial fruit production, strong leadership skills, and a hands-on approach. The role offers competitive salary and accommodation if required, within a progressive business that emphasizes professional development and sustainability.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Accommodation available

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial fruit production (top and/or stone fruit).
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Hands-on, proactive approach needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage all orchard operations across top and stone fruit production.
• Develop effective crop management programmes to maximise yield and quality.
• Lead and motivate staff to achieve high performance standards.
• Oversee budgets, inputs, and resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with assurance schemes and regulations.
• Liaise with agronomists and senior management.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Knowledge of orchard systems

Education

FACTS and/or BASIS qualifications

Job description

Top & Stone Fruit Manager – Kent

Competitive Salary + Accommodation Available

The Job

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Top & Stone Fruit Manager to lead operations on a 150-hectare fruit site in Kent. This is a key management position for a knowledgeable individual who is passionate about high-quality fruit production and wants to play a central role in the ongoing success and development of a well-invested, progressive enterprise. You will take responsibility for the day-to-day running and long-term development of diverse orchard operations — ensuring optimal crop performance, quality, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all orchard operations across top and stone fruit production
• Develop and implement effective crop management programmes to maximise yield and quality
• Lead, train, and motivate both permanent and seasonal staff to achieve high performance standards
• Oversee budgets, inputs, and resource planning
• Ensure compliance with assurance schemes, health & safety, and industry regulations
• Liaise with agronomists, packhouses, and senior management to ensure smooth supply chain operations

The Company

Forward thinking fruit growing business operating with a long term vision and strong investment in innovation, technology and sustainable production. The company maintains a commitment to quality, staff development, and excellence across all areas of horticultural management.

The Candidate

• Proven experience in commercial fruit production (top and/or stone fruit)
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills
• Hands-on, proactive approach with excellent problem solving ability
• Sound understanding of modern orchard systems, machinery and crop husbandry techniques
• FACTS and/or BASIS qualifications desirable but not essential

The Package

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Accommodation available on site (if required)
• Opportunity to take a leading management role within a well-invested, future-focused business
• Supportive environment with scope for long-term progression and professional development

Please email your CV to Bradley Frost, Senior Recruitment Delivery Consultant, [e-mail].

Keep up-to-date with the latest opportunities from Agricultural Recruitment Specialists by registering on our website: www.agriRS.com and following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Agricultural Recruitment Specialists prioritise roles across sales, management, marketing, operations and technical and engineering fields, including international and senior-level positions within our specialised sectors. For more information about our recruitment services, please visit www.agriRS.com or contact our recruitment team on 01905 345 155 or on our international number: 0044 1905 345 155.