Head of Rural Estates

JR United Kingdom; Huntingdonshire; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A large Local Authority Client is seeking a Head of Rural Estates Manager for an initial 9-month contract. This leadership role involves managing a 14,000-hectare estate, ensuring effective operations and financial performance, while also addressing environmental goals. Candidates should possess a strong background in rural land management and estate strategies.

Qualifications

• Leading edge knowledge of Rural Estate Management practices.
• Current practice in managing substantial agricultural estates.
• Experience in Estates Manager/Head of Estates roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of surveyors and Farms Officer in estate management.
• Drive the development of Rural Asset Management Strategy.
• Oversee operations and capital budgets for maximising income.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Negotiation

Education

Degree in Rural Land Management

Job description

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Full time

9 Month Contract Initially

We are looking for a Head of Rural Estates Manager for our large Local Authority Client on an initial 9 month contractual basis.

The role leads a team managing Our Clients 14,000-hectare rural estate, ensuring strategic, financial, and environmental performance.

Responsibilities include overseeing operations, delivering budgets, advising stakeholders, driving development opportunities, and supporting climate and biodiversity goals, while maintaining accurate property records and maximising value from the estates £245 million assets and £6 million annual revenue.

• Lead a team of 4 professional surveyors and a Farms Officer in delivering estate management, capital works, landlord and tenant services, and environmental stewardship.
• Drive the development, implementation, and review of the Rural Asset Management Strategy and Farm Management Plans.
• Ensure the efficient delivery of operational and capital budgets, maximising income, cost-efficiency, and debt recovery.
• Oversee major projects and complex negotiations for acquisitions, disposals, and contracts aligned to financial and climate targets.
• Collaborate with planning and asset teams to optimise the estate through development opportunities.

Skills and Experience:

Leading edge knowledge of Rural Estate Management practice, including the application of current law and practice, planning policy, Local Development Frameworks status, property valuation, development appraisals and the property market across the region

Current and emerging practice in the strategic management of substantial agricultural landed estates in the public, investment, and private sectors

Up to date market knowledge of trends and activity in the rural land market nationally

Degree in Rural Land Management (or similar)

Experience in a Estates Manager, Head of Estates, Surveyor or Land Manager based role

MRICS membership (or equivalent)

Expertise in valuations, landlord & tenant law, planning and rural asset strateg

Outstanding stakeholder management and leadership skills

Budget management and commercial acumen

Strong influencing and negotiation skills

If this role is of interest and you meet the above criteria, then please apply immediately.