Crop Production Manager - Strawberry

Keelings; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop

Free on-site parking with EV charging

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Keelings is seeking a Crop Production Manager to lead all stages of strawberry/softfruit production on site at Sandyhill, St Margaret's, Co. Dublin. You will drive planning, execution, and quality across growing programmes to deliver sustainable yields within budget.

The role requires 3+ years in strawberry production, strong leadership, excellent English, and a focus on food safety. This full-time position offers on-site work and a negotiable salary.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in strawberry/softfruit production
• Experience leading and managing teams
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work under pressure and meet KPIs
• Knowledge of IPM and sustainability in production

Responsibilities

• Manage all stages of strawberry crop production to deliver high-quality yields
• Oversee growing programme, ordering, delivery, planting
• Monitor crop performance and provide timely reporting on health and yield forecasts
• Develop cost-effective crop management strategies to meet budgets and KPIs
• Ensure compliance with food safety, environmental laws and standards
• Collaborate with QA/Agronomy and Operations for product quality
• Coordinate with R&D to test new strawberry varieties
• Adopt innovative pest/disease monitoring and data recording practices
• Support risk management efforts within area of responsibility
• Promote safety and wellbeing and foster accountability across the team

Skills

Experience in Strawberries

Team leadership

Relationship building

Commercial mindset

Communication skills

Pressure resilience

Attention to detail

IPM experience

Fluent English

Education

Agricultural Science or similar degree

Job description

Location: On site / Sandyhill, St Margaret's, Co. Dublin, Ireland
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: FMCG | Operations
Salary: Negotiable salary

About Keelings

Keelings is a 100% Irish-owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top-quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships - powered by our dedicated people.

Purpose of the Role

To drive excellence in crop production through strategic planning, effective management, and innovative practices, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, sustainable yields that align with the company's budget. This role is responsible for the holistic management of crop production, from planning to harvest, ensuring the company’s goals are achieved and maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and quality.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• To manage all stages of crop production to produce a high yield of top-quality, marketable fruit
• Management of the crop through ordering, delivery, planting of crops in line with the Growing programme.
• Monitor and analyse crop performance, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on crop predictions and crop health.
• Deliver cost effective crop management strategies, to achieve production targets in line with set KPI’s and budgets.
• Ensure that sustainable agricultural practices are observed throughout production crop systems.
• Ensure that crops are managed in accordance with food safety legislation, environmental legislation and appropriate accreditation body standards.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance/Agronomy and Operations teams to ensure consistent product quality.
• Work with the R&D team to test and explore new strawberry plant varieties.
• Keep up to date with new innovations i.e. pest and disease monitoring, data gathering and recording of such data.
• Support the implementation of risk management strategies within your area of responsibility. (Val, can you give an example here)
• Ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines and regulations whilst prioritizing colleague well-being; cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence organization wide.

Key Skills & Knowledge

• 3 years’ experience in the growth of Strawberries/Softfruits.
• Experience in leading and management of teams.
• Ability to build and manage relationships both internally and externally.
• Commercially minded and results driven.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to perform well under pressure in an ever-changing environment.
• Highly accurate and fine attention to detail essential.
• Experience in IPM (Integrated Pest Management) management experience.
• Candidates must speak fluent English. Additional language skills would also be desirable.

Core Competencies

• Drive for Results
• Learn to grow
• Be Responsible and ensure accountability

Education & Qualifications

This role would suit a candidate with qualification in Agricultural Science Or similar degree programme and or relevant work experience.

• Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidized canteen
• Free On-site parking with access to electric chargers
• Wellness Initiatives such as wellness week

Keelings Values

• People Matter
• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Passion for Achievement

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.

Keelings is located in St. Margaret's and not serviced by public transport routes. A full driving licence and access to your own car is required for transport to work.