Job Description
Harvest Manager - Fresh Produce Harvest Operations
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 harvest professional ready to take full ownership of large-scale operations?
Do you thrive on leading diverse teams to deliver high-quality crops under tight seasonal pressures?
Are you motivated by driving performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced farming environment?
Location of the Job:
UK - Herefordshire
Salary & Benefits Package:
30,000 - 40,000 - depending on experience plus accommodation to be discussed
Flexibility required during peak harvest periods, including early mornings, weekends, and seasonal hours
Opportunity to work within a successful and progressive fresh produce farming business
About the Company:
Our client is a successful fresh produce farming business producing high-quality crops in Herefordshire. Working across a range of fresh produce crops including fruits and vegetables, the business is committed to delivering excellent harvest quality, operational efficiency, and high standards of compliance. The company operates with a strong management structure and values positive leadership, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout its farming operations.
Harvest Manager - The Job Role Details:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Harvest Manager to take full responsibility for harvest planning, labour management, performance, quality, cost control, and compliance across multiple fresh produce crops. Reporting directly to the partners and working closely with the Herefordshire Field Manager, Assistant Farm Manager, Blueberry Manager, and wider Farm Management team, you will play a key role in leading harvest operations in a timely, cost-effective, safe, and positive manner. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong people management skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to motivate and develop a seasonal workforce while ensuring the highest harvest standards are maintained.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the harvest workforce to ensure work targets are consistently achieved or exceeded
Take responsibility for harvest planning, labour allocation, and effective management of labour resources
Manage harvest performance, ensuring fair and consistent implementation of absence and disciplinary procedures
Maintain excellent harvest quality standards through strong attention to detail
Work collaboratively with packhouse and farm management teams on production standards and labour availability
Support crop and labour forecasting for asparagus, blueberries, broccoli, and beans to aid recruitment planning, budgeting, and production decision-making
Take overall responsibility for harvest operations and management cover across the harvest management team
Ensure harvest records, payroll data, and operational reports are accurate and submitted on time
Drive continuous improvement in harvest efficiency, productivity, cost control, and quality standards
Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, people policies, and associated record keeping
Support and develop supervisors and future leaders within the harvest workforce
Promote a positive, productive, and motivated working environment across the harvest operation
Essential Candidate Skills & Experience:
Proven experience in agriculture or horticulture, with previous hands-on harvest management experience
Demonstrable experience leading, managing, and coordinating seasonal teams from diverse backgrounds
Strong organisational, planning, and decision-making skills
Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and support a multicultural workforce
Ability to follow performance and disciplinary procedures correctly
Confidence in recording, analysing, and interpreting operational and performance data
Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with changing priorities
Previous experience of health and safety in the workplace
Positive, proactive attitude with strong teamwork skills
Good computer skills
Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends, and peak season hours
Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
Knowledge of fresh produce crops
Experience working with bonus or performance-based pay systems
Working Hours:
Full-time position with flexibility required, including early mornings, weekends, and additional hours during peak harvest periods
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.
Key Words:
Harvest Manager, Fresh Produce, Harvest Operations, Farm Manager, Horticulture, Agriculture, Seasonal Workforce, Crop Management, Herefordshire Jobs, Farm Operations
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.
