Deputy Farm Manager – Horticulture

About the role

The Deputy Farm Manager will deputise the Farm Manager on a flower farm, overseeing production activities such as crop husbandry, irrigation, crop protection and integrated pest management. The role ensures production standards are met and aligns operations with market demands.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate crop husbandry, irrigation, crop protection and IPM to meet daily, weekly, monthly and annual objectives.
• Align production activities with marketing to maximise sales returns and engage with visiting customers.
• Develop cost‑effective spray and irrigation programmes compliant with MPS and Fairtrade certifications.
• Provide accurate production projections and ensure budgets for each greenhouse are met.
• Lead supervisors, deliver on‑the‑job training and act as a member of the internal audit team.
• Present production updates at monthly management and board meetings and supervise full farm operations in the manager’s absence.

Required profile

• Degree in Horticulture or related field (higher qualifications desirable).
• Minimum five years’ experience as a manager or deputy manager on an MPS and Fairtrade certified rose farm.
• Experience in packhouse management, marketing activities and IPM Level 2 certification.
• Strong critical thinking, organisational and communication skills.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience using ERP systems in flower farm operations.
• IPM Level 2 certification.