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Job description

POSITION:                           FARM FOREMAN – SPECIALIST CROP PRODUCTION    

CLIENT:                               INDEPENDENT FARMING BUSINESS

SALARY & BENEFITS:     UP TO £45,000 DOE

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA: KENT

JOB BRIEF NUMBER:       V016

 

JOB DETAILS

 

About the Company

 

Our client is a well-established, forward-thinking family farming business based in Kent, at the heart of one of the UK's most important growing regions. The business combines traditional farming expertise with modern agricultural practices to produce high-quality specialist crop production across the UK and beyond.

 

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Working Farm Foreman to join on a full-time, permanent basis. This is a varied, hands-on role combining practical farming, team supervision, machinery maintenance and estate management.

 

Reporting directly to the Farm Manager, who provides strategic oversight one day per week, you will take responsibility for implementing the day-to-day farming programme and leading operations across the farm. This position requires someone who enjoys being actively involved in every aspect of farm management while leading by example and motivating a small team.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Farm Operations & Crop Production

• Lead the day-to-day farming operations across the specialist perennial crop farm.
• Implement the weekly work programme set by the Farm Manager.
• Manage all aspects of crop protection, including pesticide application and spraying programmes.
• Carry out spraying operations in accordance with PA1, PA2 and PA3 certification requirements.
• Undertake soil cultivation, soil health management and field preparation.
• Oversee all stages of crop husbandry.
• Monitor crop performance and maintain high production standards throughout the growing season.
• Assist with environmental stewardship and biodiversity projects across the wider estate.
• Ensure all farming activities are carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with best agricultural practice.

 

Harvest Management

• Lead and coordinate the annual crop harvest.
• Manage the crop harvesting and processing facility.
• Organise labour and machinery throughout the harvest season.
• Ensure harvested crops are processed efficiently while maintaining quality standards.
• Work flexibly during peak seasonal periods as required.

 

Staff Management

• Supervise and support two full-time members of the farming team.
• Recruit, organise and oversee seasonal staff during busy periods.
• Allocate daily workloads and monitor progress.
• Lead by example while maintaining high standards of productivity and workmanship.
• Promote a positive working environment and maintain excellent health and safety standards.

 

Machinery, Engineering & Estate Maintenance

• Kit Repairs: Keeping the fleet and farm machinery operational. Must be "handy with spanners".
• Crop Machines: Maintenance and repair of specialised crop picking and processing equipment.
• Estate Management: Fencing, ditching, and general upkeep of the wider farm and environmental project areas.

 

Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will have practical farming experience, ideally gained within row growing, top fruit, soft fruit, specialist crop, a comparable commercial agricultural enterprise. Applicants with a strong background in arable farming and crop production or even glasshouse growing who are keen to develop specialist knowledge will also be considered as training can be provided.

 

Essential requirements include:

• Significant practical farming experience.
• Previous experience within crop production or top fruit is highly desirable.
• PA1, PA2 and PA3 spraying certificates.
• Forklift and/or Telehandler certification.
• Strong mechanical and engineering ability.
• Experience maintaining agricultural machinery and farm equipment.
• Ability to supervise and motivate a small team.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Full UK driving licence and own transport.
• Flexible approach to working hours during harvest.

 

Desirable skills include:

• Welding and fabrication experience.
• Experience with specialist harvesting machinery.
• Knowledge of environmental stewardship or conservation projects.

 

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be a practical, motivated and reliable individual who enjoys taking ownership of a varied farming role. You will be organised, proactive and capable of working independently while supporting and leading others. A positive attitude, excellent problem-solving ability and a willingness to get involved in all aspects of the business are essential. Above all, you will take pride in maintaining high standards across farming operations, machinery and the wider estate.

 

Benefits

• Overtime available during busy seasonal periods.
• Pension scheme.
• Paid annual leave.
• Free on-site parking.
• Accommodation may be available, at a reduced fee.

 

Apply Now

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Working Farm Foreman, Farm Supervisor, Assistant Farm Manager, Arable Foreman, Farm Operations Manager, or Senior Farm Worker looking to join a progressive and respected farming business. If you are passionate about practical farming, machinery, crop production and leading a small team, we would love to hear from you.

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Application information

If this Farm Foreman role is of interest, contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or email sara@horticruitment.com

Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs