Farm Operations Manager

Waitrose & Partners; England; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Waitrose & Partners as a Farm Manager at their unique supermarket-owned farm, the Leckford Estate. You will lead farming operations, optimize performance through regenerative practices, and contribute to strategic planning in a role that supports sustainable agriculture in the UK. The position requires significant experience and a commitment to excellence in farming practices, ideal for those looking to influence the future of farming.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Employee ownership benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years farm management experience.
• NVQ level 4 (HND) in agriculture or related field required.
• BASIS qualified and relevant NPTC qualifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee farming operations at the Waitrose Farm.
• Provide operational leadership to optimise farm performance.
• Collaborate across the business to deliver annual plans.

Skills

Farm management

People management

Crop and livestock record keeping

Basic farm machinery maintenance

Education

NVQ level 4 (HND) in agriculture or related field

Degree in Agriculture

Tools

Omnia software

Relevant NPTC qualifications

Job description

About the role

Join the only UK supermarket-owned farm and lead a team supporting the future of UK farming. The Leckford Estate is a 2,800-acre LEAF demonstration farm and diverse business where the Farm Manager will oversee farming operations and influence the wider Waitrose organisation.

• Salary: £48,300 - £65,000
• Contract type: Permanent

• Location: The Waitrose Farm, Leckford Estate, Hampshire

Key responsibilities

Provide operational leadership to optimise the performance of Waitrose & Partners Farming enterprises, exemplify regenerative farm management, and align with Waitrose Farming For Nature commitments. Contribute to the Leckford strategic plan to connect strategy with operational priorities.

Work in an agile, innovative, and cross-functional manner to be an effective operational leader.

Lead by example, focusing on delivering operational outcomes that support the Leckford plan and purpose.

Collaborate locally and across the business to deliver annual plans. Develop personally and professionally across the Estate and in farming operations including beef, arable, fruit, and vines.

Essential skills/experience

• Minimum of 5 years farm management experience
• NVQ level 4 (HND) in agriculture or related field
• Full driving licence
• Relevant NPTC qualifications (e.g., telescopic handler, ATV, livestock medicines)
• BASIS qualified
• At least 2 years’ arable management experience, including grain store management
• At least 3 years’ ruminant livestock husbandry experience, preferably with cattle
• People management skills
• Experience with crop and livestock record keeping and management information reporting (preferably on Omnia software)
• Basic farm machinery maintenance skills

Desirable skills/experience

• Degree in Agriculture
• Experience with organic, IFM, regenerative farming practices
• FACTS & BASIS certifications

The Partnership

We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re committed to building a happier world, fostering innovation, and serving our customers with quality and service. As Partners, we share ownership, contribute to our success, and create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS and financial probity checks. We encourage quick completion of vetting documents to avoid delays. Early application is recommended as vacancies may close early.

We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, including flexible hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Discuss options with the hiring manager during your interview.

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