Job Overview
We are now seeking an experienced Head Grower to lead the GREAT Market Garden’s commercial growing, with support from other members of the Gloucestershire project team. This post will suit a passionate and highly motivated individual who is ready to take on a high‑profile project, build on its success, and help ensure it has a thriving and sustainable future.
Key Responsibilities
- Day to day management of the market garden, including propagation, planting, irrigation, harvesting, and composting
- Planning and forecasting crop production to ensure economic viability
- Creation of veg box scheme or similar commercial enterprise from existing customers
- Consolidate and build on existing relationships with local retailers and hospitality, including local delivery within a 20 mile radius
- Collaborate with FWAG SW project team to facilitate agroecological learning
- Work in partnership with the RAU kitchens, conferencing and teaching teams to maximise co‑benefits
- Scope to develop the role through additional enterprises on the site
Person Specification
Essential
- At least 3 seasons of commercial growing experience
- Proven track record of veg sales as a grower
- Knowledge of no‑till systems and agroecological/regenerative farming
- Able to establish and manage efficient systems and work processes
- Marketing skills and experience to develop brand identity for commercial enterprises
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written
- Good IT skills including using social media, MS Office (Excel, Word) and e‑mail
- Ability to successfully manage the commercial aspects of growing, such as finances, budgeting and invoicing, and health and safety requirements
- Good organisational skills, including record keeping and data monitoring
Desirable
- A qualification linked to agroecological farming, horticulture or the environment
- Experience of working in the food industry or hospitality
- Basic use and maintenance of key market garden infrastructure (e.g. a BCS tractor, generator, solar panels, irrigation, polytunnels, and no‑dig beds and paths)
Terms and Condition of Employment
Pay and hours
- Self‑employed at a rate of £15.00 per hour
- Initial fixed term of 6 months, with option to extend subject to funding
- Working hours: full‑time 37.5 hours per week maximum within normal daytime working hours, although flexible working and/or job share will also be considered
Travel / expenses
- Must have access to a vehicle for business purposes with the appropriate insurance
- Expected to travel/commute between your home and the market garden at your own expense and in your own time
- Business miles (e.g. for delivery scheme) may be reclaimed at 45p for the first 7,500 miles in any one year and 25p per mile thereafter
Procedure for Application
Please provide a CV and covering letter, detailing your suitability for the role. Please ensure that the information you provide correlates as closely as possible to the requirements of the job, as detailed in the Key Responsibilities and Person Specification above.
Please send your application to: HR@fwagsw.org.uk by the closing date of Monday 9th February 2026.
Further Information
The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Southwest Limited (FWAGSW) is a registered charity which offers advice to farmers and landowners on the integration of commercial farming practices with environmental management. For more information visit http://www.fwagsw.org.uk.
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