Working Farm Manager

Iford Estate; Lewes; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A large agricultural estate near Lewes is seeking a Farm Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a diversified farming business. Responsibilities include managing crop and livestock production, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maximizing profits. Ideal candidates will have degree-level education and at least 5 years of experience in modern farm machinery. A competitive employment package and accommodation will be offered.

Benefits

Competitive employment package

Accommodation on the estate

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience with modern farm machinery.
• Experience working with cattle and combinable crops.
• UK driving licence required.
• Hold PA1 and PA2 certificates.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day activities on the farm.
• Maximise farm profits while meeting estate goals.
• Manage crop and livestock production systems.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations.

Skills

Modern farm machinery operation

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency in financial and farm management systems

Leadership

Education

Degree level education

Tools

Farm management software

Tractors

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to manage the Estate's farming enterprise, working closely with the Managing Director on the long-term strategic development of the business and to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the farm and team. Iford Estate is a large agricultural estate near Lewes, East Sussex, comprising 1200ha of mixed farming, including 800ha of arable cropping and 160 head of suckler cows. The Estate is diversified in enterprises including Holiday Lets, office, workshop and house lets, shooting, fishing and a livery business. The Estate is also leading the way in providing large scale Biodiversity Net Gain for developers and actively exploring all natural capital markets.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordination of day-to-day activities
• Maximising farm profit whilst working within our Estate goals and ambitions
• Keeping accurate and up to date records
• Procurement of farm inputs and machinery
• Management of crop and livestock production systems to a high standard
• Grain store management and monitoring
• Ensuring compliance with H&S, Red Tractor, Countryside Stewardship, Cross Compliance etc
• Assisting with implementing our ambitious Nature Recovery Scheme
• Tractor and livestock work as required
• A competitive employment package dependant on skills and experience will be offered, together with a house on the estate.

Person Specification

• Educated to degree level
• At least 5 years experience in using modern farm machinery
• Sound and practical experience of working with cattle and combinable crops
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficient in using financial and farm management systems
• Positive, hands-on, can-do, progressive and open minded attitude to work
• Proactive and flexible approach to work
• Willing to take responsibility and ownership of tasks
• Ability to work autonomously when required, alongside effective teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate and lead the farms labour force
• Hold a current UK driving licence
• Hold PA1 and PA2 certificates
• Hold a rough terrain telescopic certificate

For further information or to discuss the position in confidence, call Ben Taylor on 07974 267780 or to apply please send a CV and covering letter to the contact details above.