Head Grower - Knepp Swallows Ltd

Scotlink; Horsham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organic market garden in England is seeking an experienced grower to manage all aspects of site operations. The role requires expertise in commercial horticulture, team management, and a proactive approach to soil management. You will work with a small team and contribute to innovative cropping plans. Benefits include 28 days paid holiday, pension, and free vegetables.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday

Pension

Free vegetables

Discounts in restaurant and shop

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial horticulture managing crops from propagation to harvest.
• Understanding of value cropping for effective commercial operation.
• Comfortable managing a small team and familiar with basic HR practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead all site operations of the market garden.
• Manage diverse crops through all stages of growth to harvest.
• Collaborate with team members and contribute to planning for future crops.

Skills

Commercial horticulture experience

Team management

Basic HR practices familiarity

IT proficiency (Xero, Workforce)

Attention to detail

Tools

Tractor

Small-scale machinery

Job description

£30,000-£35,000 dependant on experience (with possibility of end of season bonus)

Permanent position, 40 hours per week with some weekend cover

Knepp Market Garden is a 3-acre, organic, commercial vegetable production growing for the on-site restaurant, shop, and a local wholesaler. The market garden is surrounded by the renowned 3,500 acre rewilding project that has been running for over 20 years. We reflect the principles of the rewilding project with regenerative growing practices, including use of cover cropping, living mulches and promoting biodiversity wherever we can.

We’re looking for an experienced grower to help lead on all aspects of the site operations. Our site is on heavy clay soil, which brings its own set of challenges, so familiarity with this soil type and a progressive approach to soil management is highly desirable.

The site has enjoyed a record year in 2025 with fantastic cropping, quality and profitability. Following this, planning work is under way for 2026 for 40 different crops but the successful individual will have the opportunity to present any significant changes for 2027 onwards if desired.

The growing team is four people strong and you will work alongside three existing team members. There is the potential for a co-head grower if the skills dovetail with existing team members and this is desired by the applicant.

Experience required

• Essential: experience of commercial horticulture with practical experience of propagation and managing a diverse range of crops through all stages of growth to harvest.
• Essential: an understanding of cropping for value and what it takes to make a commercial operation work.
• Essential: experience of managing a small team and an understanding of basic HR practices. Support available.
• Essential: comfortable with IT. We use Xero for invoicing; Workforce for logging hours and social media platforms for marketing. Training available.
• Desirable: experience with a tractor and a range of small-scale machinery.
• Desirable: experience collaborating with chefs and other routes to market.
• Desirable: experience managing SA organic certification.
• Desirable: experience growing and harvesting cut flowers.
• Desirable: experience working with volunteers and speaking to the public about growing practices.

Person specification

• Open-minded with a positive attitude towards working outdoors in all seasons
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a small team
• Good observation, attention-to-detail, precision, and speed
• Strong organisational skills, ability to self-manage and plan ahead

Benefits

28 days paid holiday, pension, statutory sick pay, staff yoga, pilates, free vegetables for personal consumption, free hot drinks, discounts in restaurant and shop

Accommodation possible to be negotiated separately

To apply, please follow this link