Estate Managers / Estate Directors
Employing an Estate Manager/Director to look after and run your estate, (which could be a farm, estate, land, gardens) will have a huge and positive impact on the smooth running of the estate and can also help drive the profitability and productivity of the operation if you derive an income from it in addition to your personal use.
Of course, every estate is unique and the job description for an Estate Manager /Director would need to be tailored in accordance with the type of estate they are employed to manage. This would be specifically with reference to the size/acreage of the operation, type of activities on the estate (both commercial & personal), arable land and/or livestock management, number of staff employed, number of buildings and farm machinery to maintain.
The primary responsibilities and duties that come with the role of an Estate Manager/Director will be centred around the management and planning of the estate and on larger estates, the Estate Manager/Director would also be responsible for other estate staff/workers who could be full or part time, seasonal workers or contractors. In some instances, the duties could also include overseeing financial budgets and dealing with every accounting & bookkeeping.
This is an incredibly pro-active and very hands-on role that requires a good deal of flexibility and an in-depth understanding and interest in estate management – be that crops, livestock, commercial shoots, forestry and so on.
The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to engage at all levels from the owner/employer and across the farm workforce down to to farm hands/seasonal workers/grooms etc.
Often an Estate Manager/Director will be offered accommodation to live on site which can provide continuity, availability and flexibility plus is excellent additional security for the owners, especially if they are away regularly.
As previously mentioned, there are numerous different possibilities for the way an estate is set up and managed. As well as for family and personal use, some estates will also include business activities that an Estate Manager/Director will oversee and take responsibility for. For example:
- Residential and commercial property portfolios
- Arable and livestock farming
- Livestock breeding programmes
- Forestry and plant nurseries
- Commercial shoots
- Clay pigeon shoots
- Horses: stabling/livery, cross country course, show jumping arena
- Management of tenanted farms
Overall responsibilities could 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, farriers
- Managing the land and ensuring it is used to its’ maximum potential
- Administration and management of budgets, event planning and management
- Staff rotas & schedules
Many Estate Managers/Directors will have experience in managing multiple residences, often abroad, which gives them valuable international experience, others will come from predominantly commercial farming backgrounds.
Alongside their professional experience, most Estate Manager/Director candidates for this type of role will hold a formal relevant qualification such as a Land Management degree or similar which will have been taken at a variety of universities and colleges – the most well- known being the ‘Royal Agricultural College’ Cirencester.
Speak to us if you are thinking of taking on an Estate Manager/Director, as Eden Private Staff are experienced in conducting this type of search.
Whether you own a 50 + acre estate or a larger commercial operation, whether it is situated in the UK or abroad, we can help you find the most suitably qualified candidate for your role.
We look forward to working with you.
For further information, advice and discussion, the Eden Private Staff Team can be contacted on 0207 471 6000
