Horticulture Grower

Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912 Full-Time: Immediate start Job Title: Horticulture Grower Salary range: $85,000 - $90,000 Job Closure date: 30 days About our client: Our client is a highly regarded and rapidly expanding leader in the FMCG sector, with a prestigious portfolio of high-value horticultural products grown on the Mornington Peninsula. Renowned for their commitment to quality and innovation, they employ a sophisticated, "whole of system" approach to agriculture, integrating advanced crop management techniques with sustainable land stewardship. Their focus is on producing premium, market-leading produce through a blend of expert knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and a deep, practical understanding of the land. About the Role: On behalf of our client, we are seeking an energetic, passionate, and highly experienced Horticulture Grower to take a leading role in the end-to-end production and management of their premium crops. This is a pivotal, hands-on position where you will be responsible for translating strategic plans into tangible results, from soil preparation through to harvest and market delivery. The ideal candidate is a proactive professional who combines deep horticultural knowledge with strong operational and commercial acumen to drive both yield and quality. Key Duties & Responsibilities: Strategic Crop Planning & Production Management: • Develop and execute comprehensive seasonal production plans, coordinating all activities from soil preparation and planting to harvest, while strategically considering environmental factors, resource availability, and market trends. • Select and source the highest quality seeds, seedlings, bulbs, and rootstocks, implementing advanced techniques such as grafting to cultivate superior plant varieties and ensure crop vitality. • Direct and oversee all general farming activities, including precise fertiliser application programs and integrated pest and weed control strategies to maintain optimal plant health and productivity. Operational Excellence & Crop Maintenance: • Meticulously maintain crop production standards by expertly performing and supervising critical hands-on tasks including cultivation, de-budding, pruning, and irrigation management to create ideal growing conditions. • Organise and lead farming operations for the post-harvest handling of produce, including the efficient collection, storage, grading, and packaging of goods to meet the highest market specifications. • Coordinate the commercial logistics of the produce, including organising sales, purchases, and the timely dispatch of goods, ensuring a seamless chain from the farm to the customer. Infrastructure, Safety & Business Administration: • Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of key farm infrastructure, including buildings, fences, machinery, and critical water supply systems, to ensure operational reliability and safety. • Maintain and critically evaluate detailed records of all farming activities, from input applications to yield data, using this information to monitor performance against production targets and contract requirements. • Proactively manage all work health and safety processes on-site, fostering a culture of safety awareness and ensuring full compliance with industry regulations and best practices. Essential Qualifications & Experience: • A relevant Trade Qualification in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a closely related field is essential. • A minimum of 2 years of proven, hands-on post-trade experience in a similar horticultural growing or farm management role, within a commercial production environment. • A current and valid Driver's Licence. Essential Skills & Attributes: • A demonstrated hands-on commitment with a practical, can-do attitude and a dedication to achieving excellence in all aspects of crop production and farm management. • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to plan production to meet specific market demands and contract specifications, ensuring both quality and profitability. • Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to oversee operational workflows, manage resources effectively, and ensure all tasks are completed to a high standard. • A proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving, with the capacity to think on your feet and respond effectively to the daily challenges of a production farm. To Apply: If you are a dedicated horticulture professional ready to take on a key role within a leading FMCG business, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience through the application portal. Please note: We are managing this recruitment process on behalf of our client. All applications will be reviewed by our team before being presented to the client.