Lead Propagator Binsted Nursery

Join Our Growing Team!

Lead Propagator - Join Our Passionate Horticulture Team!

Location: Barnham (West Sussex)
Job Type: This position is permanent, and full time, working a minimum of 39 hours per week
Salary Range: up to £35K (plus overtime) based on experience
Responsible to: Production Manager (Propagation, Planning, and Plant Buying)

Do you have a passion for plant propagation and a desire to lead a motivated team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Lead Propagator to oversee the production of over 1.25 million young plants each year at our thriving nursery. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and implement innovative propagation techniques while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Passionate but lacking technical training? We are open to supporting the right candidate with training and may consider a Trainee-level start.

What You'll Do:

• Propagation Mastery: Overseeing the propagation process from seed or vegetative material, ensuring quality, quantity, and time targets are met. Planning, prioritising, and monitoring plant care (watering, trimming, weeding) to meet strict production standards.
• Stock Plant Management: Plan and forecast stock plant needs, ensuring timely and quality yields, while maintaining optimal conditions for growth.
• Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop a small team of propagation staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Ensure safe working practices are followed and monitor team performance against KPIs.
• Innovation & Improvement: Stay up-to-date with the latest propagation techniques, equipment, and materials. Implement innovative strategies to continually improve productivity and quality.
• Health & Safety: Ensure compliance with health and safety standards while working closely with your team to maintain a safe, efficient, and productive work environment.
• Administrative Tasks: Oversee regular stock checks, maintain production records, and support the smooth flow of communication within the team and across departments.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience in commercial plant propagation
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
• A keen eye for detail and accuracy in record keeping
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• A horticultural qualification and PA1 certification (desirable but not required)
• A passion for horticulture, innovation, and continuous improvement

Why Join Us?

• Professional Development: Become a member of the International Plant Production Society (IPPS) and continue growing your career within the industry.
• Collaborative Team: Work alongside a dedicated, knowledgeable team in a dynamic, forward-thinking company.
• A Thriving Environment: Help us produce 3.3 million pots annually across 8 hectares of nursery space, producing plants loved by many.

• Relocation support would be considered
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• On-site parking