The Newt in Somerset
Glasshouse and Hydroponics Manager
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Glasshouse and Hydroponics Manager
£40,000 per annum plus bonus and fantastic benefits
40 hours per week across 5 out of 7 days, including occasional weekend work. Usually Monday to Friday, 7:30–16:30 in summer and 8:00–16:00 in winter. Based onsite - BA7
Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role
Advert closes: Monday 12 October 2026 at 5pm
Lead the future of flavour – combining innovative growing techniques with exceptional produce, from glasshouse to plate.
Our Glasshouse and Hydroponics Manager
Our Glasshouse and Hydroponics Manager will lead the growing of exceptional tomatoes at The Newt, taking ownership of the crop from planting through to harvest and clearance while helping drive our exciting move into heirloom growing. You’ll manage climate, irrigation, fertigation, husbandry and pest control to deliver outstanding quality and consistency, working closely with the Market Garden team, Head of Food and our chefs to ensure fruit is picked and delivered to our kitchens the same day. Beyond the day-to-day crop, you’ll select and trial varieties, build relationships with growers and our sister estates, and help develop our own distinctive Newt tomatoes over time. With our tomato-growing facilities entering an exciting new chapter, your knowledge, creativity and experience will also help shape how these spaces evolve – combining productive, innovative growing with compelling member experiences and a story worth sharing. Throughout it all, flavour is the measure: what matters most is the quality of what reaches the table.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the health, quality and productivity of our hydroponic tomato crop from planting through to harvest and clearance.
- Manage the glasshouse environment, irrigation, fertigation and nutrient solutions to optimise crop performance, flavour and quality.
- Monitor crop growth, fruit development, yield and quality, using data and practical judgement to continually refine how we grow.
- Lead an effective integrated pest management and biological control programme, maintaining excellent crop hygiene and biosecurity.
- Develop The Newt’s heirloom tomato programme, including selecting, breeding and sourcing exciting varieties and leading variety trials.
- Lead and develop the growing team, planning daily and weekly activity around the needs of the crop and managing the growing operation’s budget.
- Work closely with the Head Gardener, chefs and Head of Food to plan production, forecast supply requirements and ensure produce reaches our restaurants at its best.
- Create engaging member experiences through tours, workshops and opportunities to see and taste the crops while helping shape the future development of our glasshouse and hydroponic operation.
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What we can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
- Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
- Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
- A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
- Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.
What we're looking for
- Practical experience of hydroponic tomato growing, with strong knowledge of crop husbandry and plant nutrition.
- A strong understanding of hydroponic principles, irrigation and fertigation, with confidence interpreting EC, pH and environmental conditions.
- Knowledge of common tomato pests, diseases and physiological disorders, together with experience of integrated pest management and biological controls.
- The practical ability to maintain and troubleshoot hydroponic glasshouse systems, ideally with experience of CEA monitoring and environmental control systems such as TomTech, Priva or Hoogendoorn.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, train and develop a small growing team.
- An accurate and analytical approach to crop, environmental, production and yield data, with the ability to use information to improve quality and efficiency.
- A passionate, resourceful and creative approach to growing exceptional produce, combined with confidence engaging members through tours and workshops.
- A degree or equivalent qualification in horticulture or a related subject, equivalent practical experience, or relevant formal training in controlled environment agriculture or hydroponics.
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Where you'll be working
The Market Garden grows fruit, vegetables, herbs and protected crops for The Newt's restaurants. It includes glasshouses, polytunnels, soil tunnels and outdoor fields, along with the hydroponic glasshouse, which runs as part of the same unit. The team reports to the Head Gardener and works closely with the wider Market Garden team, the Head of Food, the head chefs and the restaurant teams.
We grow what money cannot buy: varieties chosen for how they taste rather than how far they travel, harvested in the morning and served the same day. The hydroponic glasshouse, of around 300m², produces tomatoes and peppers for the restaurants throughout the year. It runs nine channels: eight lines in the tomato house, six for tomatoes and two for peppers, with the ninth serving the NFT room. On average, the glasshouse produces 7 to 8 tonnes of tomatoes a year. But flavour is the real measure: taste, quality and the story behind what reaches the table.
This is an exciting time to join the team. The glasshouses are being developed into a space that is both productive and open to our members, growing a wider range of crops, with heirloom tomatoes in soil alongside the hydroponic crop.
Who are we- The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.
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