Irrigation Manager

About this role

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!