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Estate Manager / Director

The role of an Estate Manager/Director is hugely important to the smooth running and (where appropriate) profitability and productivity of the estate.

Every estate is of course unique and will vary considerably in size and set up. In general, however, the responsibilities and duties that come with the role are focused on management and planning – both for arable/crop and livestock estates/farms. On some of the larger estates the Manager/Director may also have direct responsibility for the estate staff/workers (full/part time/seasonal/contractors) and there may be additional responsibilities for undertaking/overseeing all aspects of accounting & bookkeeping.

This is a pro-active and totally hands-on position that requires a good deal of flexibility and understanding of estate management and/or livestock.Often the Manager/Director will live on site, providing an element of security (particularly if the owners are away regularly).

 

There are many different types of estates and some will potentially include business activities that the Manager/Director will be expected to oversee/run. For example:

  • A residential and commercial property portfolio
  • A commercial shoot
  • Arable and livestock farming activity
  • Management of tenanted farms

 

A Manager /Director’s other important duties will include:

  • Overseeing and contributing to the smooth running, general upkeep and maintenance of the estate and its’ properties
  • Overseeing agricultural activities, including all livestock and arable operations
  • Liaising with external bodies such as DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs) and RPA ( Rural Payments Agency)
  • Dealing with external advisors such as agronomists, vets, and farriers
  • Managing the land and ensuring it is used to its’ maximum potential
  • Administration and management of budgets, event planning and management

Many Estate Managers/Directors will have experience in managing multiple residences (often abroad) giving them valuable international experience and some will come from commercial farming backgrounds. Whatever their previous work experience, their knowledge, experience and skills as an Estate Manager/Director will be vital to the success of the estate.

Many of Eden’s candidates for this important role will generally hold a formal qualification and all will have solid and relevant experience. Qualifications will be held in ‘Land Management or Farming and taken at a variety of universities and colleges, of which the most well- known is the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.

 

Eden Private Staff is very experienced in conducting searches for Estate Managers/Directors and can source Candidates for smaller estates (50+ acres) up to huge commercial estates comprising thousands of acres and a million pound turnover. We are also experienced in recruiting for estates all over the world.

If you would like further information, please call the Eden Private Staff team for a chat and helpful advice on 0207 471 6000

 

Here is one of our candidates looking for an opportunity in the South West

We are fortunate to have available via Eden Private Staff a fabulous a highly experienced estate manager  with professional farm management experience, a OND in Agriculture with distinction and post graduate degree in organic farming with commendation.  He is a highly experienced working farm and estate manager with extensive long term experience of working on small and large scale estates up to 4000 acres. With professional experience of overseeing all aspects of managing a working farm and estate including arable cropping along with organic farming, grassland, managing large herds of livestock, looking after all finical management, ensuring regulations are met and overseeing purchases, sales and budgets. Also extensive experience in overseeing woodland care and management, formal gardens, general estate maintenance, estate shoots, private and rented estate properties and management of staff. Being the hands on man on the ground when dealing with tenants, looking after the needs of the principals and working with managing agents if required. With long term experience of 8 plus years in his last two positions, our candidate has an extensive range of skills and experience to offer in ensuring the smooth management of a small or large scale estate or farm. He is looking to secure an ideally long term opportunity based in the South West managing a small or large mixed estate offering employers his extensive experience in all aspects of hands on estate or farm management. Flexible on hours and time off with proven commitment and excellent references he is available for with notice for the right opportunity…..

Facilities Director

A slight variation on the estate director role is that of facilities director. Typically this will involve responsibility for a diverse range of buildings and land which will be part of a large organisation or body, such as a school, hospital, office block or university. They will be responsible for the staff maintaining these premises, such as gardeners, construction or building maintenance staff. They would form part of the senior management team of an organization, generally report to the managing director, finance director or a CEO.

Estate Concierge Service

A unique service for landowners.

With our specialist knowledge and expertise we will give you the advice and guidance required for implementing and establishing the infrastructure you will need to look after your estate: be that land management, livestock, fencing, stabling/outbuildings, orchards, lakes/ponds or gardens.

We visit properties, farms, estates and smallholdings everywhere in the UK. Once on site and in line with your wishes for the property, we will make recommendations and can instruct the right people for the job.

Examples of the type of work we help with:

  • Land management
  • Fencing
  • Outbuilding renovation
  • Construction or purchase of stables/barns/outbuildings/livestock fencing
  • Drainage
  • Lake, river and pond management
  • Movement and purchase of livestock
  • Purchase of farm machinery
  • Recruitment of estate staff including: estate managers, gamekeepers, gardeners
  • Recruitment of household staff including: housekeepers, couples, nannies, drivers, cooks, security
  • Tree and forestry management & planting
  • Gardens and landscaping including formal, vegetable and herbal

For further information please contact the Eden Private Staff Team on 020 7471 6000.