Irrigation Manager

The Role

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.

What You'll Be Doing

• 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.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• 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.

Technical Experience

• 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.

Benefits

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!