Agronomist / Head of Potato Production in Norway

Agronomist / Head of Potato Production in Norway

Bjertnæs & Hoel AS - Norway

Bjertnæs & Hoel AS is a progressive Norwegian family-owned farming business located 100 km south of Oslo and 25 km from Sandefjord Torp Airport. For over two generations, the Hoel and Bjertnæs families have been producing high-quality vegetables and potatoes, combining strong agricultural heritage with continuous innovation.

We operate approximately 500 hectares of vegetable and potato production and employ up to 100 seasonal and permanent staff from diverse international backgrounds. Our business includes commercial potato production 300 ha including sub growers, seed potato multiplication (40 ha), and in-house packing operations. We control the entire supply chain, starting from the production of seed potatoes using the in vitro method in our laboratory, through field production, to the packaged final baby potato product.

Due to continued development, we are now looking for another Agronomist / Head of Potato Production to join in leading and further developing our commercial potato department. We are open to candidates with less experience who are passionate about agriculture and want to develop in this field.

This position requires relocation to Norway.

The Role

Together with our agronomists you will take parallel operational responsibility for the potato production department, leading a team of 10 employees and overseeing all aspects of field operations from planting through to harvest and storage management.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong agronomic expertise, organizational skills, and the ability to manage people and processes effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Full agronomic management of commercial potato production including sub growers,
• Seasonal planning and execution of field operations: planting, fertilisation, crop protection, irrigation and harvesting
• Selection of varieties for commercial production purposes
• Continuous field lustration and crop monitoring
• Yield optimization and production efficiency improvements
• Team leadership: task delegation, motivation and performance management
• Machinery coordination (Grimme, John Deere, Fendt fleet)
• Maintenance oversight of agricultural equipment and infrastructure
• Stock and input management
• Budget awareness and cost control within the department
• Documentation, reporting and performance tracking
• Ensuring compliance with health & safety, environmental, and assurance standards
• Managing working hours and holiday schedules in line with labour regulations
• Onboarding and training of new employees
• Building a positive, multicultural team culture

Candidate Profile

• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy or related field
• Proven experience in commercial potato production or other crops
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Analytical mindset with data-driven decision-making ability
• Strong understanding of regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management
• Polish language skills are an advantage
• Confidence in the use of modern agricultural technology and data-driven farming
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proactive problem-solving approach
• Driving licence (Category B)

Experience in seed potato multiplication or large-scale vegetable production will be considered a strong advantage.

What We Offer

• A key leadership role within a well-established and growing agricultural business
• Opportunity to work with leading European advisors and modern production systems
• Direct employment - no recruitment agencies involved
• Company car, phone and laptop
• Full-time, permanent contract (year-round employment)
• Salary from £44,0000 to £54,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Support with relocation and administrative formalities in Norway
• Assistance with accommodation
• Flexible working pattern (greater flexibility during autumn and winter period)
• Professional development and continuous training opportunities

About Bjertnæs & Hoel

Our vision is simple:
Produce high-quality food together with great people.

We are committed to innovation in cultivation techniques, product development, marketing and people development. Our workplace culture is built on respect, generosity and teamwork.

We invite you to visit our social media

How do I apply?

For more information and an informal confidential discussion please call Zbigniew or e-mail your CV and covering letter to: . Thank you.