Livestock Manager

Raby Estates; North East; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Estate accommodation

Vehicle included

33 days holiday

Job summary

Raby Estates seeks an experienced Livestock Manager to lead and develop the beef and sheep enterprises at Raby Home Farm. You will oversee the Longhorn herd and sheep flock, driving improvements in health, welfare and productivity while integrating regenerative grazing methods.

You will work with the Farm Management Consultant and Estate teams to deliver Farm to Fork experiences, connect farming with visitor activities, and ensure high standards of livestock management across the enterprise.

Qualifications

• Proven livestock management experience.
• Strong practical farming skills and knowledge of livestock husbandry.
• Ability to lead and motivate a livestock team.
• Excellent communication skills for a public-facing role.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of the Longhorn herd and sheep flock.
• Improve animal health, welfare, productivity and performance.
• Develop regenerative grazing and grassland practices for soil health and biodiversity.
• Manage the livestock team, contractors, resources and priorities.
• Maintain livestock records and ensure compliance with required standards.
• Develop Farm to Fork products and visitor experiences linked to farming.

Skills

Livestock management

Team leadership

Grassland management

Animal health & welfare

Job description

Location: Raby Home Farm, Raby Castle, Staindrop

Hours: Full Time - Permanent

Rate of Pay: Competitive salary offered dependent on skills and experience

Estate accommodation and a vehicle will be available as part of the remuneration package

Job Ref: VA242-2026

Raby Estates are innovative, forward thinking and family run, set in the heart of the Durham Dales, and Shropshire countryside.

Owned by the 12 th Lord Barnard, and his family since 1626, the Estate is founded on strong values including heritage conservation, community engagement, and environmental care.

Driven by a committed, enthusiastic leadership team, Raby has a long-term vision, where the Estate continually invests in innovation, diversification, and responsible growth, ensuring its natural, cultural, and commercial assets thrive for future generations.

About Raby Home Farm

Raby Home Farm is located close to Raby Castle and forms an important part of the visitor experience. The in-hand farming enterprise extends to more than 4,500 acres, with arable production, environmental stewardship projects, and expanding beef and sheep enterprises. The Estate is committed to regenerative farming practices, sustainable food production and its growing Farm to Fork strategy.

The Opportunity

Raby Estates is seeking an experienced Livestock Manager to lead and develop the beef and sheep enterprises at Raby Home Farm. This is an exciting, hands-on opportunity to improve livestock performance, embed regenerative farming practices and help connect farming, food production and the visitor experience across the wider Estate.

Working with the Farm Management Consultant and colleagues across the Estate, you will manage and grow the Longhorn herd and sheep flock, lead the livestock team and work alongside the Leisure & Tourism team to deliver Farm to Fork experiences and educational visitor activities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management and development of the Longhorn herd and sheep flock.
• Improve animal health, welfare, productivity and technical performance.
• Develop regenerative grazing and grassland management practices that support soil health, biodiversity and resilience.
• Manage and develop the livestock team, contractors, resources and operational priorities.
• Maintain livestock records and ensure compliance with agricultural, environmental, assurance and health and safety requirements.
• Develop Farm to Fork products, visitor experiences and commercial opportunities linked to farming and food production.

About You

You will have proven livestock management experience, strong practical farming skills and the ability to lead and motivate a team. You will be commercially minded, highly organised and passionate about livestock production. Excellent communication skills are essential as this is a public-facing role that will engage with visitors, customers, contractors and colleagues across the wider Estate.

This permanent, full-time role offers considerable scope to influence the future of a progressive livestock enterprise and develop the Farm to Fork experiences, within a unique Estate setting. Flexibility will be required during peak farming periods, including lambing and calving.

You must have a full driving licence.

What we have to Offer

Estate accommodation and a vehicle will be available as part of the remuneration package along with:

• 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
• Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
• Group Life Insurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
• Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
• Discounts on stays at Raby's High Force Hotel
• Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
• A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
• A role that is dynamic, engaging, and never predictable - no two days will be the same!
• A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.

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