Site Manager

Reports to: General Manager
Salary: £55,000–£60,000
Location: Suffolk

We are looking for an experienced and motivated individual to join the senior management team and play a key role within a commercial horticultural enterprise. This position oversees one of our main production sites and plays a vital part in ensuring efficient day-to-day operations, strong team performance, and consistent crop output.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, hands-on leader with solid technical knowledge of fruit production and the ability to organise people, processes, and resources effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

• Plan and manage day-to-day growing activities, including crop establishment, irrigation, harvest operations, and general husbandry

• Monitor crop development and make informed decisions to maintain quality and yield

Team Leadership

• Manage a mixed team of permanent, temporary, and contract staff

• Coordinate training, schedules, and daily work plans

• Promote a positive, safe, and efficient working culture

Machinery & Site Maintenance

• Oversee servicing and repairs of equipment, vehicles, and facilities

• Ensure all machinery is used safely and appropriately

• Maintain a tidy, well-run, and regulation-compliant site

Compliance & Health and Safety

• Ensure full compliance with horticultural, labour, and environmental regulations

• Implement and maintain health and safety procedures

• Keep accurate and timely records as required

Administration & Planning

• Contribute to budgeting, cost control, and forward planning

• Handle purchasing of materials and contracted services within authorised limits

• Provide regular operational reports and updates to the General Manager

Quality & Sustainability

• Support high product standards and uniformity across the site

• Apply best practices for sustainable production and resource management

• Monitor soil health, water use, and general site condition

Required Skills & Experience

• Full driving license (Category B)

• Proven background in managing farming or horticultural operations

• Experience leading and organising staff teams

• Understanding of budgets and commercial decision-making

• Strong technical knowledge of crop production, including irrigation, nutrition, and pest/disease control

• Ability to operate and maintain agricultural machinery

• Strong communication and leadership abilities

• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Physically able to work outdoors in all seasons

• Professional, reliable, and well-organised

• Spraying qualifications beneficial

• BASIS and FACTS qualifications advantageous