Estate Director

MorePeople; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run estate is seeking a hands-on Estate Director to lead strategic initiatives and manage daily operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in estate management, strong leadership skills, and a passion for rural life. The role offers a collaborative environment with significant operational breadth and a commitment to sustainability. Benefits include a competitive holiday allowance, private health insurance, and a pension scheme.

Benefits

30 days holiday allowance including Bank Holidays

Private health insurance

5% pension contribution

EV salary sacrifice scheme

Discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• Experience in estate, land, property, or rural business management.
• Hands-on leadership style with energy and excellent people skills.
• Understanding of compliance and sustainability-related legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction of a rural estate.
• Manage day-to-day operations and team leadership.
• Ensure effective communication with stakeholders, including tenants and family offices.

Skills

Estate management

People management

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree in Rural Land Management or similar

MRICS or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

Having undergone a significant transformation in the past decade, Farncombe has evolved into a leading hospitality and lifestyle destination. Now, they are seeking a hands-on, strategic Estate Director to take the reins and help shape the estate's future.

This is a high-trust role with operational breadth and strategic depth. You'll work closely with the Managing Director (your direct report), sit on the Senior Leadership Team, and liaise with the family office, Skagen Conscience Capital. Your job is to bring cohesion, structure, and direction to the many moving parts of a vibrant rural estate.

Farncombe is a privately held, family estate run with intention, integrity, and heart. The culture is deeply values-driven, entrepreneurial, and environmentally conscious.

The estate is looking for an experienced, grounded professional who thrives in a generalist role. You'll be out and about most of the day, moving from a woodland site visit to a sustainability meeting, reviewing property development proposals, or checking in with tenants. This is not a desk job. It's a pivotal leadership role that demands energy, people skills, judgment, and a wide-ranging understanding of estate matters.

What We're Looking For

Farncombe seeks an exceptional all-rounder—someone with practical experience, professional judgment, and genuine enthusiasm for rural estate life.

Essential Attributes

• Demonstrable experience in estate, land, property, or rural business management—likely as an Estate Manager, Head of Estates, Rural Surveyor, Land Agent, or similar.
• A hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up style.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• High emotional intelligence and excellent communication abilities.
• Commercial acumen and budgetary experience.
• A collaborative mindset and comfort operating in a values-led, family-owned environment.

Desirable

• MRICS or equivalent professional qualification.
• Degree in Rural Land Management, Estate Management, or similar.
• Experience working within or alongside hospitality-led rural estates.
• A strong grasp of compliance and sustainability-related legislation.
• Knowledge of grant funding streams for environmental projects.

Working at Farncombe

This is a place where people enjoy their work. The culture is warm, open, and professional—never starchy. You'll be joining a close-knit SLT who support one another and love what they do.

Working hours: Typically 7 am–4:30 pm, five days a week on-site. Flexibility for occasional remote work. The successful candidate should live within an hour of the estate or be willing to relocate closer.

Team size: 22 estate and maintenance professionals (full-time and part-time).

Benefits include:

• Holiday allowance starting at 30 days including Bank Holidays
• Private health insurance
• 5% pension contribution (salary sacrifice scheme with NI benefit)
• EV salary sacrifice scheme
• Discretionary bonus (currently under review)

Interview Process

• Initial screening call with Farncombe's recruitment partner, MorePeople
• Initial screening call with the estate's HR Director
• First-stage in-person interview on-site, likely including a presentation
• Second-stage in-person meeting (if needed), including time with the HRD, MD, and FD
• Informal meeting with the family—relaxed, over tea

Next steps: Please call or email me, or click 'Apply Now'.