Irrigation Manager
Barfoots of Botley · Bognor Regis
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!
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