Farming Director

Our client are looking for a Farming Director to join the team.

Location: South Ormsby, Lincolnshire

Salary: Competitive Salary

Hours: 39 per week

Holidays: 20 days plus 8 days statutory

About the client:

They have a pedigree herd of 400+ Original Population Lincoln Red cows, which are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trusts vulnerable list, with only 400 cows in the UK. We are undergoing organic conversion, we are an accredited Pasture for Life estate, and they hold a strong biodiversity ethos.

They are based on an estate of c3000 acres nestled within the Lincolnshire Wolds and is an area of outstanding natural beauty, rich in wildlife. The custodians are restoring the heritage of the estate and rejuvenating the local economy. Building upon a historic past, their vision is to create the best place to invest, work, live, play and retire to and the best farming estate in the world!

Farming Director The Role:

They are seeking a strong candidate who is passionate about farming to head up all animal–related aspects related to the farming and production of their animals. The Estate Manager heads up the non–animal side of things.

You will oversee our herd of 400 Original Population Lincoln Reds which produce their Lincoln Red beef boxes and our Lincoln Red milk cheese. They utilise an organic, pasture for life, outdoor 365 days a year system.

You will also be responsible for managing our Poultry business which includes our Lincolnshire Buff Chickens and Norfolk Black Turkeys, also using organic pasture–based system for breeding, laying and our broiler business. In the future, their organic Pasture for Life sheep business / heritage pigs. The successful applicant will completely manage the entire animal population in our care and farming operations with the heads of each of the departments reporting directly to them.

Farming Director Key Responsibilities:

– Oversee all aspects of the farming business, supporting and guiding every manager and supervisor

– Knowledge of regulatory requirements to run the business

– Oversee and ensure all farm staff training and development is scheduled and completed

– Day–to–day management to meet the farm s goals

– Maintain a clean and safe work environment, including the work site and equipment, ensuring all health and safety guidelines are adhered to

– Be aware of potential diseases and injuries of all animals in our care

– Work closely with the Custodian to develop and model proper and efficient techniques and systems

– Participating in estate tours and talking about the animals with members of the public during estate tours

– Growing each individual business in line with demand and trends

– Record and document daily workflow, create lists of projects, and generally maintain detailed records including health and safety

– Help with general farm work building, maintenance, and other projects

– Operate a variety of mechanical equipment

– Ensure quarterly objectives and key results (OKRs) are met

– Leading on animal processing and the customer supply chain

Farming Director Skills & Experience required:

Minimum: Agricultural college OND/HNC

Ideal: Farming–related university education

– Experienced in all–round farm management, previously managed an estate or herd with more than just cattle

– Passion for working with animals in ecological pasture management and regenerative setting with interest in sharing work with wider farm team and community

– Interest in organic pasture for life farming and biodiversity in the farming of animals

– In–depth understanding of animals with a focus on health, welfare and production

– Knowledge of breeding of pedigree livestock

– Experience with farm machinery and equipment, plus driving trucks, tractors, trailers

– Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and problem solve

– Budget proficient and number orientated

– Must be computer literate

– Ability to communicate and bond well with other staff

– Interest in furthering your knowledge by committing to extra training

– Share our vision in a positive proactive way

To submit your CV for this exciting Farming Director opportunity, please click Apply today!