Horticultural Supervisor

The Best Connection are currently recruiting for a Horticulture Supervisor on behalf of a well-established horticultural nursery based on the outskirts of Ashford.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Supervisor or Team Leader looking to join a growing business where no two days are the same. While horticultural experience would be advantageous,

applications are welcome from candidates with supervisory experience from any industry, including manufacturing, production, warehousing, agriculture, logistics, fresh produce, or food production.

This is a hands-on role that would suit someone who enjoys leading teams, organising workloads, and working closely with operations to achieve quality and productivity targets.

What's on Offer?

Varied role combining people management and operational leadership

Opportunity to work in a thriving horticultural environment

Supportive and experienced management team

Training and development opportunities

Excellent long-term career prospects

The Role

The successful candidate will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the nursery, overseeing both field operations and packhouse activities throughout the year.

The role changes with the seasons, offering a varied and engaging workload:

Peak Season (October - March)

During peak production periods you will:

• Supervise processing and grading operations across two production lines
• Manage agency and seasonal labour, alongside permanent staff
• Ensure quality standards are consistently maintained
• Organise daily packhouse activities and prioritise workloads
• Monitor productivity and labour utilisation
• Drive efficient workflow across the operation

Off-Peak Season (March - October)

During the growing season you will:

• Supervise field-based operations
• Coordinate and manage agency labour teams
• Oversee crop protection activities, including bird netting and crop care
• Support weeding and general crop maintenance programmes
• Plan staffing requirements and organise resources effectively
• Assist with the smooth running of seasonal projects and activities

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and motivating teams of Team Leaders and Operatives
• Managing agency and seasonal workers effectively
• Monitoring productivity, quality and operational performance
• Ensuring Health & Safety procedures are followed at all times
• Reviewing and updating risk assessments
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Supporting operational activities with a hands-on leadership approach
• Working closely with the wider management team to achieve business objectives

About You

We are looking for a proactive and organised supervisor who can lead by example and build positive working relationships with their team.

• Previous experience in a Supervisory or Team Leader position
• Strong people management and organisational skills
• Ability to motivate and manage teams effectively
• Hands-on approach and willingness to support operational tasks
• Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Understanding of Health & Safety procedures
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Experience within horticulture, agriculture, fresh produce, warehousing, manufacturing or food production
• Experience managing agency or seasonal labour

The Best Connection is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.