Irrigation Manager
4 days ago
Bognor Regis
We're looking for an experienced Irrigation Manager to lead the planning, operation and continuous improvement of irrigation across our large-scale vegetable farming operation. Reporting to the relevant Farm Director, you'll play a key role in ensuring our crops receive the right water and nutrient applications to maximise yield, quality and sustainability. You'll oversee our irrigation infrastructure, lead a dedicated team, and work closely with Agronomy, Production and Engineering teams to optimise water use, improve system performance and support the delivery of high-quality crops. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong technical knowledge, leadership skills and a passion for modern agriculture to make a real impact within one of the UK's leading fresh produce businesses. • Develop and manage irrigation programmes based on crop requirements, soil moisture, weather conditions and agronomic recommendations., • Monitor and optimise water usage to maximise crop performance, quality and resource efficiency., • Oversee the operation, maintenance and continuous improvement of irrigation infrastructure, including pumps, reservoirs, pipelines, filtration, automated systems and fertigation equipment., • Manage water abstraction, storage and distribution while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and water licences., • Lead, coach and develop the irrigation team, planning workloads and supporting continuous improvement., • Analyse irrigation data, soil moisture monitoring and telemetry to improve system performance and efficiency., • Coordinate preventative maintenance programmes, contractor activities and accurate operational reporting., • Ensure all irrigation activities comply with health, safety, environmental and food safety standards., • Degree, diploma or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation Technology, Agronomy or a related discipline., • At least 5 years' experience managing irrigation systems within commercial vegetable, horticultural or large-scale farming operations, • Experience managing irrigation systems within commercial vegetable, horticultural or large-scale farming operations., • Strong knowledge of irrigation scheduling, crop water requirements, fertigation and water management., • Experience with irrigation infrastructure, including pumps, filtration systems and automated controls., • Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams and contractors., • Excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving skills., • Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and irrigation management software., • A proactive, continuous improvement mindset with a passion for sustainable farming., • Irrigation scheduling, water management and fertigation systems., • Drip irrigation, pump stations, reservoirs, filtration and distribution systems., • Automated irrigation controls, telemetry, soil moisture sensors and weather monitoring technology., • Water abstraction, environmental compliance and resource management., • Preventative maintenance, asset management and performance reporting Why work for Barfoots? • Investors In People Silver Award status, • 24/7 On-line GP, • Company pension scheme, • Life Assurance, • Employee Assistance Program, • Benefits Platform, • Development opportunities, • Discounted leisure membership, • Discounted vegetable box scheme, • Cycle to work scheme, • Free onsite parking, • Approved training centre for Highfield qualifications, • Rapidly growing company, • Committed to Sustainability - Using our waste to power our site! #J-18808-Ljbffr