Crop Manager - Chillies

Barfoots of Botley

  • Bosham, West Sussex
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 day ago
Job Description:The RoleWe are seeking a skilled and motivated Chilli Grower to oversee the production of high-quality chillies within a controlled Glasshouse environment. The role involves managing all aspects of crop production, from start of season young plants to harvest, ensuring optimal plant health, yield, and quality, while adhering to best horticultural and sustainability practices. The successful candidate will also manage a small team, act as an ambassador for the business with visitors, and show proactive initiative in improving systems and results.Based at our Bosham site, near Chichester and reporting directly to the Glasshouse Crop Manager, you will be a pivotal team member, working to ensure that customer standards are met and maintained at all times, along with maintaining a safe, clean working environment. Following stringent procedures and working within a fast paced, dynamic, team environment.Mon - Fri with rotational weekendKey Responsibilities will include but not be restricted to:
  • Day-to-day management of chilli crops in glasshouses, including irrigation, crop work, training, pest & disease control, and harvesting
  • Monitoring crop health and growth, making timely adjustments to growing strategies
  • Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) and biological control methods
  • Managing climate control systems (e.g. heating, ventilation, screens and humidity)
  • Recording and analysing crop data to inform decisions and improve performance
  • Managing and motivating a small team of seasonal and permanent staff
  • Being available to provide weekend on-call cover when required
  • Confidently showing visitors, buyers, & stakeholders around the glasshouse facility
  • Ensuring compliance with health & safety standards, farm assurance schemes, and hygiene protocols
  • Demonstrating proactive behaviour, suggesting and implementing improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and crop performance
  • Liaising with senior management, agronomists, and technical staff
Requirements:
  • Proven experience in horticultural crop production (preferably protected edible crops)
  • Good knowledge of glasshouse systems, crop husbandry, and plant physiology
  • Familiarity with IPM, biological controls, and sustainable growing methods
  • Ability to monitor and interpret crop and environmental data
  • Practical skills in irrigation, nutrition management, and crop maintenance
  • Previous team supervisory/management experience
  • Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Flexibility to provide weekend and on-call support
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills, confident in hosting visitors
  • Proactive approach, with the ability to take initiative and drive improvements
Benefits:
  • Investors In People Silver Award status.
  • Company pension scheme
  • 24/7 Online GP access
  • Life Assurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Benefits Platform
  • Development opportunities
  • Discounted leisure membership
  • Discounted vegetable box scheme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Free onsite parking
  • Approved training centre for Highfield qualifications
  • Rapidly growing company
  • Committed to Sustainability

Barfoots of Botley