Julie Nilssen-Francis

Raw Material Planner - Procurement, Vitacress Herbs

Julie’s story

I like working towards a more sustainable future

How long have you been with Vitacress?

Just over two years, since September 2021

Tell us a bit about your roles within Vitacress?

I started on a Graduate Programme in September 2021, and was meant to stay in that programme for two years and work in four different parts of the business for six months each. However, I was offered a permanent position during my first placement, and ended up moving into an R&D Coordinator position at Vitacress Herbs in January 2022. Since then, I’ve moved into Procurement as a Raw Material Planner.

Vitacress are keen to develop their employees, and there is plenty of support available if you ask for it.

What do you like about working for the company?

I like working towards a more sustainable future, which my role fortunately lets me do. Vitacress is working hard towards many environment goals, and to be a part of that is something I appreciate.

What do you think about the people (team), culture and values?

There are some really wonderful people here, and I really appreciate the focus on building a more resilient and sustainable farming model for the future.

In your experience, are there training and development opportunities for people at Vitacress?

Having started out in a graduate programme tailored to my interests within the industry so that I could figure out what I wanted to ‘do when I grow up’, I would say so.

Julie checking the quality of the roots

Have you received support for your development?

Vitacress are keen to develop their employees, and there is plenty of support available if you ask for it.

Share a happy story

We have a really nice walk around the site, which has plenty of wildlife and lots of blackberries. I love to go for a walk around on my breaks, and see the occasional deer or rabbit whilst taking in some fresh air.

Other stories

Simon Hues

Production Director, Vitacress Portugal

I have always enjoyed working on the farms with the growers in all geographies, a great team of grounded people. Baby leaf is fast moving and I have a lot going on all the time. This is one of the most intensive forms of outdoor farming, which you get a bit of a buzz from.

Vânia Santos

Supply Chain Planning Manager, Vitacress Portugal

I started working in Vitacress in 2001 in reception and expedition of produce. Back then, we only had the export business. After 2 years, my role was expanded and I also started doing quality control on the reception warehouse.

Leah Mathias-Collins

Group Environment Manager

My main responsibility is the management and delivery of the Vitacress environmental sustainability plan, Second Nature; brand ambassador for environmentally sustainability; leading the net zero Science Based Targets initiative; maintaining awareness of current legislation, emerging issues, international, national and local environmental issues, and manage their implications.

Madalina Brutu

Process Improvement Coordinator, Vitacress Salads

I joined in September 2018 working a few days a week with no real plan. Since then, I’ve worked in a quality auditor role and after three years, having built up my experience and understanding of the business, I moved to a process improvement role to progress my career with Vitacress.

Nathaniel Wood

Harvest Supervisor – Mullens Farm

I spent 18 months working across various parts of the business within the growing/agronomy teams and on the farms. I worked on projects, many of which focused on our Second Nature priorities as we work towards net zero. For over a year now, I’ve worked at Mullens farm in Wiltshire managing the harvest team and getting involved in as many projects as possible.