Crop Production Manager - Strawberry

Keelings; Fingal; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop

Free on-site parking with electric car

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Keelings is seeking a dedicated Crop Production Manager in Ireland to lead strawberry/softfruit growth from planning to harvest. You will manage teams, apply IPM, monitor crop health, and drive sustainable yields aligned with budgets.

The role requires a degree in Agricultural Science and fluent English, with a focus on accuracy, collaboration, and delivering high-quality produce for Keelings' markets across Europe.

Qualifications

• 3 years’ experience in growing strawberries/softfruits.
• Experience in leading and managing teams.
• Ability to build and manage internal/external relationships.
• Commercially minded with a results focus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Capable of performing under pressure and maintaining accuracy.
• Experience in IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
• Fluent English; additional languages desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage all stages of crop production to yield top-quality fruit.
• Oversee crop progress via ordering, planting, and delivery aligned with Growing programme.
• Monitor crop performance and provide timely crop health reports.
• Implement cost-effective crop management to meet KPIs and budgets.
• Ensure sustainable agricultural practices across production systems.
• Maintain compliance with food safety and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with QA/Agronomy and Operations for quality consistency.

Skills

Strawberries/Softfruits growth

Team leadership

Relationship management

Commercial mindset

Communication skills

Perseverance under pressure

Attention to detail

IPM experience

English fluency

Education

Agricultural Science degree

Job description

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
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at [e-mail]

Recruitment Process

• 1. CV Submission & email acknowledgment of receipt
• 2. Phone Screening
• 3. 1st Interview
• 4. 2nd Interview
• 5. Outcome & Feedback

Keelings Careers https://www.keelings.com/careers-keelings/

Keelings Strategy & Values https://www.keelings.com/our-people/