The growing manager is responsible for the successful production of crops in a sustainable farm business which promotes good environmental practice.
Also known as horticulture growing manager or crop production manager.
The growing manager for horticultural crops will oversee the production of crops grown on the farm. This can be anything from vegetables, salad, herbs or fruit in fields or protected environments. They may have specialist knowledge in a specific area or a range of horticultural crops.
As a growing manager, your focus is to maximise the productivity of the crops, ensuring all aspects of the growing process adhere to specific farm and legislative standards to promote good environmental practice.
You’ll work closely with the farm manager to plan crop production and field operations to ensure they are carried out timely and cost-effectively. You’ll also plan and oversee crop protection, nutrition, and irrigation requirements.
Your responsibilities will include checking the crops daily to identify any issues, such as the presence of weeds, pests, or diseases, and making recommendations to resolve them. You’ll also liaise with the farm’s agronomist (an expert in the science of soil management and crop production) to discuss ways to improve soil quality and crop health.
As part of your role, you may be required to use technology, such as farm software, to monitor and record aspects of crop production. You should have a good working knowledge of precision farming strategies and tools to optimise and increase soil quality and predict crop yields more accurately. Precision farming can help reduce waste and has a positive environmental impact.
The increased use of technology, engineering, and controlled substances also means there is a definite need for a growing manager to promote a safe working culture. To prioritise hazard and risk management, a successful growing manager will ensure all health and safety measures are firmly in place.
This managerial role will also require regular interaction with a number of stakeholders, both internal and external to the farm – and so will need excellent communication, a teamwork ethic, and a supportive, people-centric approach to management. Above all – excellent listening skills, feedback delivery, and the ability to unlock the potential of others in your team and beyond is essential.
You may need your own transport to get to work.
As a growing manager your responsibilities might include:
To work as a growing manager in the horticulture sector, you should:
As a growing manager, you’ll require experience in horticultural crop management and sustainable farming principles, as well as practical hands-on experience in field cultivation and farm machinery operations.
You’ll also have experience leading or managing others and excellent planning skills.
Employers may appoint a candidate based on experience alone; however, a relevant qualification in horticulture is also beneficial and may increase your options.
The role would suit someone with a keen interest and passion for developing their knowledge of crop production and the drive to look for and implement new ideas and innovations to improve crop growth and margin health.
As a growing manager, you’ll have the following competencies in effectively managing crop health to maximise production. Using knowledge and skills, you will:
Download our Growing manager (horticulture) competency profile to find out more about these competencies and how they map with our Capability Framework.
The salary for a growing manager in horticulture is in the region of £30,000 to £50,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, business type and location.
Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These can include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production/performance bonuses.
As a growing manager, you could progress your career by pursuing on-farm management opportunities such as harvest manager, operations manager or farm manager.
You may also wish to consider associated careers, such as working as an agronomist. This may require further study, such as FACTS training. This could help you achieve a consultancy-level role, where you provide a high standard of advice on soil and crop nutrition.
Courses which can help you on this career path include:
Foundation Level 1 Land-Based Diploma
Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment
Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture
Level 1 Practical Horticulture
Level 2 Technical Qualification in Horticulture
Level 3 Technical Qualification in Horticulture
RHS Level 2 Practical Certificate in Horticulture (part-time)
BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plant Science)
Apprenticeships
Assistant Farm Manager Level 4
Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Level 6
TIAH Essential Skills
Our online Essential Skills modules can help you develop your skills and knowledge in various areas and are a great addition to your CV.
Anyone considering working as a growing manager in the horticulture sector would find our Biosecurity, Coaching for Staff Retention, and Foundations in Farm Safety courses helpful.
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
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