Crop Production Manager - Strawberry

Keelings

Saint Margaret’s

On-site

EUR 45,000 - 65,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop

Free on-site parking with access to EV

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Keelings, a 100% Irish-owned family business, is seeking a Crop Production Manager to lead the entire crop production cycle from planning to harvest. You will drive high-quality, sustainable yields, manage crop programmes, and ensure compliance with food safety and environmental standards.

Based in Ireland with a focus on strawberries/softfruits, you will collaborate with QA, agronomy, and operations teams, test new varieties with R&D, and implement innovative pest management and reporting

Qualifications

3 years' experience in the growth of Strawberries/Softfruits.
Experience in leading and managing 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.

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.
Ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines and regulations whilst prioritizing colleague well-being; cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence organization wide.

Skills

Strawberry/softfruit cultivation

Team leadership

Relationship management

Commercial mindset

Communication skills

Resilience under pressure

Attention to detail

IPM experience

Fluent English

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.

Essential

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 recruitment_keelings@keelings.com

Recruitment Process