Production Manager - Soft Fruits

Production Manager - Soft Fruits Production

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.

Are you an experienced production or crop manager with a passion for delivering high yields and exceptional fruit quality?

Do you enjoy leading teams, managing the full crop cycle, and working hands-on in a fast-paced fresh produce environment?

Are you looking to take ownership of production performance within a progressive farming business?

Location of the Job:
UK - Staffordshire

Employment Type:
Full-time, Permanent

Salary & Benefits Package:
45,000 to 55,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Permanent, full-time position
Seasonal peak hours during the growing season; weekend and overtime working required
Training and professional development supported
Accommodation or relocation support may be available (subject to eligibility)

About the Company:
Our client is a well-established and forward-thinking fresh produce business producing high-quality soft and stone fruit for major UK retailers. The business is committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement, with significant investment in modern production systems, infrastructure, and people.

Production Manager - The Job Role Details:
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing crop production from plant delivery through to harvest. Working closely with the Farm Manager, Agronomist, and wider operational teams, you will ensure maximum yields and fruit quality through effective crop husbandry, pest control, irrigation oversight, and team leadership. You will play a key role in planning, constructing, maintaining, and optimising production areas and systems, while driving high standards of compliance, safety, and performance.

Key Responsibilities:
Plan and manage plant husbandry activities to maximise yield, consistency, and fruit quality
Implement pest control, feeding, and spray programmes in line with guidance from the Farm Manager and Agronomist
Manage chemical storage, spray records, and application equipment, ensuring full compliance with legislation and assurance schemes
Lead, train, and develop production teams, ensuring licences, safety standards, welfare, and performance expectations are met
Liaise closely with the Picking Manager, neighbours, and beekeepers regarding spray plans and operational activity
Monitor and accurately record water usage, payroll information, and staff administration data
Support investigations into customer non-compliance issues and implement corrective and preventative actions
Promote positive public relations and maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene, and environmental stewardship
Oversee irrigation rigs and tunnel effectiveness, adjusting production practices in line with weather conditions and crop requirements

Ideal Candidate Skills & Experience:
Proven experience in commercial fruit production, ideally across soft and stone fruit crops
Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
Confident and effective leader with strong communication skills, including experience working with multilingual teams
Sound understanding of crop planning, harvesting, and quality control
Familiar with Red Tractor, BRCGS, and major supermarket protocols
Passionate about agriculture, innovation, and operational excellence
Flexible to work weekends and extended hours during peak growing periods
Positive, proactive, eager to learn, with a strong "can-do" attitude
Competent using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Good understanding of planning and managing crop harvesting operations

Desirable:
PA1, PA2a, PA3a, PA6 certificates
Experience using Harvest Manager Farm Production System and Muddy Boots Farm Management Software
Experience working with Priva irrigation systems

Working Hours:
Full-time, with extended hours required during peak periods of the growing season

Why Join This Role:
This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the success of a modern soft fruits operation. You will be part of a dedicated and experienced team, working in a dynamic environment where your leadership, technical expertise, and decision-making will have a direct impact on crop quality, productivity, and overall business performance.

How to Apply:
Please click on the "apply now" button. As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, all applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role.

The Industry (Key Words):
Production Manager, Crop Production, Fresh Produce, Soft Fruit, Stone Fruit, Commercial Horticulture, Farm Production Manager, Crop Husbandry, Pest Control, Spraying Operations, Irrigation Management, Tunnel Production, Harvest Planning, Red Tractor, BRCGS, Supermarket Compliance, Priva Irrigation Systems, Muddy Boots, Harvest Manager, Agricultural Management, Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture Jobs

We thank all applicants who apply for this role; however, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. All applications will be handled in strict confidence and personal details will not be shared without prior consent.

About Us

Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide expert recruitment, headhunting, and job advertising services across agriculture, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education sectors across the UK and internationally.