UNIVERSITY OF READING

Farm Foreperson

Location: Reading

Salary: Grade 6 £47,103 - 59,205 per annum (1.0 FTE)

Contract: Full time (45 hours per week) and Permanent

Closing Date: 23rd July 2026 at 23:59 (GMT)

Interviews will be held: 12th August 2026

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR), University of Reading

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated Farm Foreperson to join the commercial farm team at the University of Reading's Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) which runs a 500 head Holstein milking herd.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in coordinating arable and field operations across the University's farm sites, supporting crop production, harvesting, slurry management and general farm maintenance activities. The role also includes oversight of farm machinery, workshop operations and engineering support, working closely with contractors, agronomists, researchers and farm staff to ensure operations are delivered efficiently, safely and to a high standard.

In addition to arable responsibilities, the role will support youngstock activities when required and assist with the coordination of machinery and livestock movements between farm locations.

This is a full-time position working 45 hours per week.

You will have:

•Extensive knowledge and practical experience of arable farming, crop production and field operations

•Experience operating and maintaining modern agricultural machinery and equipment

•Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities across different sites

•Good stockmanship skills and an understanding of livestock husbandry and welfare

•The ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems

•Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a wider team

•A degree in agriculture or similar qualification.

•A full driving licence

We can offer:

•A friendly, supportive working environment

•Modern facilities and equipment

•Very good working conditions with competitive salary and pension

•Opportunities for training and professional development

•Accommodation can be provided, if required

Our farms - School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.