Farm Manager

Sims Hill Shared Harvest is a Community Supported Agriculture cooperative based in Frenchay on the edge
of Bristol. We are seeking applicants for a new post of Farm Manager to manage the CSA and wholesale
enterprise. The role would ASAP 2016.

Note: This position is currently funded for 4 days a week for 6 months. After that the position would be
funded for 2 days a week for the rest of the year. As part of the role the successful applicant would be asked
to raise funds for the other 2 days a week to allow for the role to continue beyond the 6 months. We
anticipate part of these being raised by business activities and part through grant funding.

Sims Hill grows for its 90+ members (55 full veg share equivalents) using organic standards and has 6 acres
of field space with an additional 1000m of protected space (tunnels and glass house). The growing area is
split across the Sims Hill site and some space at the nearby Feed Bristol project which is run by Avon
Wildlife Trust. We are looking for an experienced commercial organic grower with an understanding of CSA
values and the ability to lead a team of volunteers and other employees. The role will be responsible for
the planning, production and delivery of CSA and wholesale vegetables, as well as developing relationships
with partners and wholesale clients, and developing other income streams. The Farm Manager will report
to the Sims Hill Board.

In addition to the Farm Manager the growing team in 2016 will consist of 2 support growers working a
total of 5 days per week between them, and a team of 15 work share members from March/April to Sept
working at 4 hours/week each. In 2016 we will need to grow for the equivalent of 80 full weekly shares
plus at least £5,000 of sales direct to business (wholesale/restaurants).

Job start date ASAP 2016.

Responsibilities

Managing and delivering on the growing cycle including planning, production and delivery

Managing staff - other growers and support staff

Leading on financial planning and reporting

Managing volunteers

Developing markets for commercial sales

Developing new income streams

Applying for funding

Ensuring equipment is maintained

Ensuring that Sims Hill operational policies are followed

Developing relationships with key partners

3 yrs commercial growing experience ideally including wholesale and retail

Experience of financial planning

Driving license

Own vehicle suitable for the job

Proven ability to lead a mixed team

Ability to use own initiative and work alone

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Own computer and internet access



Desirable:

Tractor driving experience including trailer use

Experience of leading training/ workshops

Broader farm knowledge including hedgerow management, drainage, track management

Some understanding of permaculture values and principles