Farm Operations Manager

Agricultural and Farming Jobs; Mid Suffolk; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

21 days annual leave + bank holidays

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

A Farm Operations Manager role with a care farm focus is available in Suffolk countryside. The successful candidate will lead day-to-day farm activities, including livestock, horticulture and seasonal work, while supporting adults and young people with additional needs. DBS check and Right to Work in the UK are required.

40 hours per week, permanent, with some weekend flexibility. Salary £35,000–£40,000 per year, 21 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, pension, and ongoing training and

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 required or equivalent.
• Proven experience leading a team.
• Experience supporting young people or individuals with additional needs.
• Knowledge of animal care, livestock or horticulture preferred.
• Strong organisational and communication abilities.
• Knowledge of health, safety and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day farm, livestock and horticultural operations.
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare and site management.
• Plan and deliver seasonal farm and horticultural activities.
• Lead, motivate and support staff and volunteers.
• Support adults and young people with additional needs through meaningful farm work.
• Ensure health, safety, safeguarding and risk management standards are maintained.
• Maintain records and documentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues, families and support professionals.

Skills

People management

Team leadership

Experience with vulnerable groups

Animal husbandry knowledge

Horticulture experience

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Health, safety & safeguarding

Education

NVQ Level 2 (or Scottish NVQ Level 2) or equivalent

Job description

Farm Operations Manager (Care Farm)

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Are you an experienced farm professional with strong people management skills?

Do you have experience supporting young people, vulnerable adults or individuals with additional needs?

Are you looking for a hands-on leadership role combining farming with genuine social impact?

Location of the Job:

Suffolk countryside

Salary and Benefits Package:

£35,000 - £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Permanent, full-time position - 40 hours per week

Predominantly Monday to Friday working, with occasional weekend flexibility

Company pension scheme

21 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Ongoing training and professional development

Additional Information:

Outdoor working environment across livestock, horticultural and community areas

Opportunity to lead a small, dedicated team

Enhanced DBS/barred-list check required

About the Organisation:

Our client operates a well-established care farm providing purposeful agricultural and horticultural activities for adults and young people with additional needs.

The farm combines practical farming with a strong social purpose, helping individuals develop confidence, independence, skills and wellbeing.

Farm Operations Manager - The Job Role Details:

As Farm Operations Manager, you will lead the day-to-day running of the farm, overseeing livestock, animal care, horticulture and seasonal activities.

You will manage a small team of staff and volunteers while working directly with adults and young people with additional needs, creating a safe, productive and supportive environment where individuals can develop through meaningful farm-based activities.

Farm Operations Manager - Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day farm, livestock and horticultural operations
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare and site management
• Plan and deliver seasonal farm and horticultural activities
• Lead, motivate and support staff and volunteers
• Support adults and young people with additional needs through meaningful farm work
• Ensure health, safety, safeguarding and risk management standards are maintained
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and support professionals

Farm Operations Manager - Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications:

You will have/be:

• Strong practical farming, horticultural or smallholding experience
• Proven team leadership and people management experience
• Experience supporting young people, vulnerable adults or individuals with additional needs
• Good knowledge of animal husbandry, livestock and/or horticulture
• A compassionate, patient and person-centred approach
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Knowledge of health, safety and safeguarding
• Relevant agricultural, horticultural, social care or teaching qualifications would be advantageous
• A flexible, practical and hands‑on approach

all applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role.