Rural Estates Manager

Schools’ Choice; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An exceptional opportunity for a skilled Rural Estate Manager to lead the operational and strategic management of a public sector rural estate in Cambridge. This senior position entails driving the estate's development, overseeing financial performance, and providing expert advice. Ideal candidates will have a background in rural land management and significant experience in estate governance with strong leadership and commercial skills.

Qualifications

• Surveyor with strong experience in rural estate management.
• Extensive experience in property transactions, valuations, and landlord-tenant matters.
• Proven leadership capabilities with multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and management of a rural estate.
• Oversee financial performance and budget management.
• Manage external consultants and professional advisors.

Skills

Strategic estate planning

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Sustainability understanding

Education

Degree in Rural Land Management

Job description

Rural Estate Manager - Strategic Leadership Role in Public Sector Land Management
Location: Cambridgeshire (Hybrid working available)
Type: Temporary - 6 - 12 months
Salary: Competitive rate
An exceptional opportunity has arisen with one of our valued public sector clients for an experienced and forward-thinking Rural Estate Manager to lead the operational and strategic management of a significant rural estate spanning over 14,000 hectares.
This senior role offers the chance to shape and deliver the long-term vision of a high-value rural asset portfolio (valued at £245 million), which generates over £6 million in annual revenue and supports nearly 170 tenant-run rural enterprises. The estate also plays a crucial role in environmental stewardship, climate change mitigation, and enhancing biodiversity and public access.

About the Role

As Rural Estate Manager, you will lead a dedicated team of chartered surveyors and a Farms Officer, overseeing a complex portfolio of agricultural, environmental, and renewable energy interests. You will be responsible for:

• 
  Driving the estate's strategic development and delivering a refreshed Rural Asset Management Strategy.
• 
  Leading operational estate functions including landlord and tenant relations, maintenance, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives.
• 
  Providing expert advice to internal stakeholders, council members, auditors, and national bodies.
• 
  Overseeing financial performance, including revenue generation, budget management, and capital receipts.
• 
  Identifying and enabling development opportunities that enhance estate value and align with climate goals.
• 
  Managing external consultants and professional advisors to ensure best-in-class asset advice and service delivery.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We're looking for a Surveyor with strong experience in rural estate management, ideally within a public or mixed-portfolio setting. You will bring:

• 
  Degree-level education in Rural Land Management or a related field.
• 
  Extensive experience in strategic estate planning, property transactions, valuations, and landlord-tenant matters.
• 
  Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and policy.
• 
  Proven leadership capabilities, with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams through change and delivery.
• 
  A deep understanding of rural property markets, sustainability, and planning policy.

Additional qualifications in project or people management, and RICS Registered Valuer status, are advantageous but not essential.

Why Apply?

This is a unique leadership opportunity to influence how land is managed in one of the most dynamic rural regions in the UK. The role offers a rare mix of commercial, environmental, and public service impact-with the support of an experienced team and forward-thinking leadership. For more information, or to be considered please call 01473 558914.