Location
Knepp Estate, Dial Post, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 8NQ

Hours
Permanent position, 40 hours per week with some weekend cover

Salary
£30,000 - £35,000 per annum, dependant on experience, with possibility of end of season bonus

About the Role
Knepp Market Garden is a 3-acre organic commercial vegetable production site supplying the on-site restaurant, shop, and a local wholesaler. The garden is part of the renowned 3,500-acre rewilding project running for over 20 years. We follow regenerative growing practices including cover cropping, living mulches, and promoting biodiversity.

We are seeking an experienced grower to lead all aspects of site operations. The site is on heavy clay soil, presenting unique challenges, so familiarity with this soil type and a progressive approach to soil management is highly desirable. After a record year in 2025 with excellent cropping, quality, and profitability, planning is underway for 2026 with 40 different crops. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to propose significant changes for 2027 onwards.

You will work alongside a team of four growers, with potential for a co-head grower role if skills complement the existing team and this is desired by the applicant.

Experience
- Commercial horticulture experience with practical skills in propagation and managing diverse crops through all growth stages to harvest
- Understanding of cropping for value and commercial operation viability
- Experience managing a small team and basic HR practices (support available)
- Comfortable with IT systems including Xero for invoicing, Workforce for logging hours, and social media platforms for marketing (training provided)

Desirable Experience
- Experience operating a tractor and small-scale machinery
- Collaboration with chefs and other market routes
- Managing Soil Association organic certification
- Growing and harvesting cut flowers
- Working with volunteers and public engagement about growing practices

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

Benefits
28 days paid holiday
Pension
Statutory sick pay
Staff yoga and Pilates
Free vegetables for personal consumption
Free hot drinks
Discounts in restaurant and shop