The Outdoor Leading Hand is a senior field leadership position responsible for coordinating and supervising multiple orchard teams engaged in  horticultural operations. The role ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards while meeting production schedules and client expectations.

This position is not an Orchard Worker or Farm Worker role. The Outdoor Leading Hand provides operational leadership, supervises staff and subcontractor teams, monitors work quality, allocates resources, and reports directly to management. While the position works alongside field teams when required for training or demonstration purposes, its primary responsibility is supervision and coordination rather than carrying out manual orchard labour.

Employment type: Permanent, full-time (30-40 hours weekly)

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate multiple outdoor orchard teams undertaking horticultural operations including pruning, thinning, bud rubbing, tying, training vines, picking, irrigation and general crop maintenance.
  • Allocate daily work to teams according to operational priorities, weather conditions and production schedules.
  • Supervise employees and subcontractor crews to ensure work is completed efficiently and meets contractual quality standards.
  • Monitor staff attendance, productivity and work performance throughout each working day.
  • Conduct quality inspections during and after completion of orchard activities and implement corrective actions where required.
  • Provide on-site leadership, technical guidance and practical instruction to workers regarding safe and efficient work practices.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, company policies and orchard-specific requirements.
  • Complete daily reports detailing labour allocation, productivity, completed work and operational issues.
  • Liaise with Orchard Managers regarding work progress, staffing requirements, machinery availability and changing operational priorities.
  • Coordinate irrigation activities and monitor crop requirements to maintain optimum orchard conditions.
  • Assist in planning labour requirements for seasonal operations and organise teams to maximise productivity.
  • Monitor the use of equipment and ensure tools and machinery are operated safely and maintained in good working condition.
  • Identify operational issues, crop concerns or health and safety risks and promptly report them to management.
  • Assist with induction and on-the-job training of new employees and seasonal workers.
  • Ensure company vehicles, equipment and orchard resources are used responsibly and efficiently.
  • Coordinate workflow between multiple orchard sites where required.
  • Maintain accurate records of completed work, labour utilisation and quality outcomes.
  • Ensure orchard operations comply with client specifications and industry quality standards.
  • Work closely with management to achieve production targets, operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

Skills and Experience

Applicants should have:

At least 2 years of experience

OR

A Level 7 or higher qualification

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