Polytunnel Manager
| Posting date: | 06 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 March 2026 |
| Location: | AB30 1JX |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Castleton Fruit Ltd |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Castleton Fruit Ltd is a family-run business producing premium soft fruit for leading UK retailers. We take pride in growing high-quality berries through responsible and efficient farming practices.
We’re looking for a Polytunnel Manager to oversee all day-to-day operations within our tunnel production system — ensuring consistent quality, productivity, and care across our soft fruit crops. This is a key, hands-on leadership role for someone with strong horticultural knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to lead a diverse seasonal team. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Key Responsibilities
Tunnel Operations
•Oversee the daily running of all polytunnels across the site.
•Maintain tunnel structures and general conditions to ensure a clean, safe, and productive environment.
•Monitor temperature, ventilation, and humidity to support healthy plant growth.
•Report any damage or issues promptly to the Management and coordinate repairs.
•Proactively track materials to ensure all requirements are identified ahead of time.
•Be prepared to manage storm-related damage and stay alert to changing weather conditions.
Team Leadership
•Lead and manage a team of seasonal workers operating within the tunnels.
•Allocate daily and weekly tasks efficiently to maintain workflow and output.
•Train new staff on correct tunnel procedures, hygiene standards, and safe working practices.
•Monitor performance and productivity, ensuring high standards are maintained.
•Support a positive working culture where teamwork, respect, and safety come first.
Standards & Compliance
•Ensure tunnels are kept tidy, well-organised, and compliant with food safety and retailer audit standards.
•Work closely with Quality and Farm Management teams to uphold Castleton’s reputation for excellence.
•Follow all site health & safety procedures and encourage safe practices among staff.
•Report and address any equipment, safety, or operational concerns promptly.
Operational Efficiency
•Manage tunnel systems to achieve maximum crop performance with minimal waste.
•Support continuous improvements in energy efficiency, sustainability, and resource use.
•Contribute ideas for process innovation and efficiency in tunnel management.
Skills & Experience
•Previous experience in a supervisory or team leader role within horticulture or agriculture.
•Strong practical knowledge of tunnel environments and irrigation systems.
•Excellent people management and communication skills.
•Organised, reliable, and proactive with a hands-on approach.
•Ability to work under pressure during busy periods.
•Full UK driving licence required.
Working Conditions
•This is a physically active, outdoor role within tunnel environments.
•Weekend and seasonal overtime will be required during peak periods.
•Accommodation may be available on-site for the right candidate.
We’re looking for a Polytunnel Manager to oversee all day-to-day operations within our tunnel production system — ensuring consistent quality, productivity, and care across our soft fruit crops. This is a key, hands-on leadership role for someone with strong horticultural knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to lead a diverse seasonal team. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Key Responsibilities
Tunnel Operations
•Oversee the daily running of all polytunnels across the site.
•Maintain tunnel structures and general conditions to ensure a clean, safe, and productive environment.
•Monitor temperature, ventilation, and humidity to support healthy plant growth.
•Report any damage or issues promptly to the Management and coordinate repairs.
•Proactively track materials to ensure all requirements are identified ahead of time.
•Be prepared to manage storm-related damage and stay alert to changing weather conditions.
Team Leadership
•Lead and manage a team of seasonal workers operating within the tunnels.
•Allocate daily and weekly tasks efficiently to maintain workflow and output.
•Train new staff on correct tunnel procedures, hygiene standards, and safe working practices.
•Monitor performance and productivity, ensuring high standards are maintained.
•Support a positive working culture where teamwork, respect, and safety come first.
Standards & Compliance
•Ensure tunnels are kept tidy, well-organised, and compliant with food safety and retailer audit standards.
•Work closely with Quality and Farm Management teams to uphold Castleton’s reputation for excellence.
•Follow all site health & safety procedures and encourage safe practices among staff.
•Report and address any equipment, safety, or operational concerns promptly.
Operational Efficiency
•Manage tunnel systems to achieve maximum crop performance with minimal waste.
•Support continuous improvements in energy efficiency, sustainability, and resource use.
•Contribute ideas for process innovation and efficiency in tunnel management.
Skills & Experience
•Previous experience in a supervisory or team leader role within horticulture or agriculture.
•Strong practical knowledge of tunnel environments and irrigation systems.
•Excellent people management and communication skills.
•Organised, reliable, and proactive with a hands-on approach.
•Ability to work under pressure during busy periods.
•Full UK driving licence required.
Working Conditions
•This is a physically active, outdoor role within tunnel environments.
•Weekend and seasonal overtime will be required during peak periods.
•Accommodation may be available on-site for the right candidate.