Location
Hadnall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Job type
Permanent
Hours
Full time
JOB SUMMARY
Forestart is a major supplier of tree seed in the UK; our operations are key to plantings throughout the UK. We provide tree and shrub seed to nurseries for forestry, amenity and conservation purposes. We collect seed throughout the UK then process, treat and store it at our sites near Shrewsbury.
Team Leaders are responsible for leading and overseeing teams who are either collecting seed off-site, processing seed on-site or maintaining our seed orchards. They must ensure that all seed collections, processing and orchard work is carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
The role requires strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills to manage people, resources and site operations while maintaining high standards of health and safety, productivity, and compliance. The Team Leader acts as the primary point of contact when working away from the main unit and reports directly to the Line Manager.
There is the opportunity to travel and work away from home.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
You will train, supervise, support, and motivate varying teams to ensure seed collection, processing and orchard work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required standard. This includes organising workloads and delegate tasks effectively.
Daily tasks include ensuring that teams leave the yard with everything they need to for that day. Seed collection sites need to be located, bags labelled correctly and collections accurately recorded. Vehicles need loading and unloading, ensuring equipment and crops are handled correctly.
Seed processing involves using or supervising the use of various equipment and machines ensuring that seed is extracted from berries and cones efficiently and that batches are clearly identified throughout.
Orchard work includes planting new seed orchards and maintaining the ones that we already have.
Health, Safety & Compliance: we will require you to complete daily risk assessments and ensure your team have the right equipment including the correct PPE. We promote a strong safety culture so you will need to ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety legislation, and safe systems of work.
WORKING CONDITIONS
You will be based at our main yard in Hadnall but working at satellite yards and at collection sites throughout the UK. Seed collecting and orchard work is outdoors in varying weather conditions. Seed processing is performed indoors at one of our sites. The role is physically demanding and involves lifting, handling equipment, working at height and undertaking manual tasks safely.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
We are looking for looking for somebody with strong leadership skills who is organised and good at record keeping. Communication is key and you need to be able work independently, make sound decisions and take initiative.
You must hold a full driving licence and be competent to drive pickup and flatbed vehicles on short and long journeys with and without passengers. Journeys will be in varying conditions and road types across the UK.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Regular hours of work are Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm at £16.10/hour plus overtime during peak periods which is paid at 1.5 x standard hourly rate. There is a half hour lunch break and two additional paid breaks. Pay is weekly. We offer 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
Travel away from site is an integral part of the role. Such travel may involve overnight stays or a length of time away (travel, accommodation and a meal allowance is paid for by the employer).
On-site parking and employee assistance programme are provided.
An immediate start available for the right candidate.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email your CV and a cover letter to emma@forestart.co.uk .
To ensure your application is processed correctly, use the subject line:
“Application – Team Leader – Your Full Name”
Informal discussions about the role are welcomed. Please contact Sam Firkins on 01939 210638.
CLOSING DATE
2nd October 2026
Sign up to receive great news and offers