Farm Manager

£ To attract the best + pension, healthcare & life assurance 

​​​​​Accommodation available (based Ripon, North Yorkshire)

A rare opportunity to start from a blank canvass to build a truly sustainable farming operation, one that sets new industry standards from both a productivity and natural capital perspective, whilst respecting the Estate’s heritage and supporting its wider business objectives.  Whilst we are already heavily invested in meeting these goals, we still have a lot of work to do, but how we get to where we want to be is entirely up to you…

North Stainley Estates is one of the oldest and most diverse estates in the UK, with core business interests spanning construction, house building, leisure, green energy and farming.  The Estate’s long-term outlook drives a sustainability agenda across every aspect of our operations, which not only requires us to take a much broader view where the impact of our activities are concerned, but also to constantly challenge the way we do things.

Our farming business is no exception.  Recognising the long-term negative impact of modern-day intensive farming practices on both our soil and water quality, as well as their respective ecosystems, we chose to embrace the key principles of ‘Conservation Agriculture’ the best part of a decade ago.  

Based on four main pillars, including minimum soil disturbance; permanent soil cover; intercropping and a more diverse crop rotation, our primary aim is to maximise yields whilst minimising any potentially negative environmental impacts.  This strategy is part of a broader plan to improve the quality of our woodland, hedgerows and field margins in order to realise further soil and biodiversity benefits, as well as improve the long-term amenity value of some of the Estate’s oldest assets.

The Role

We are now looking to recruit an ambitious, forward thinking Farm Manager to join us on this exciting journey.  Reporting to the Group CEO, you will be responsible for the overall management of our farming business, which currently consists of 400 hectares of combinable crops; 130 hectares of grassland and 35 hectares of biomass crops. 

A key part of your role will be to identify and secure new market and grant opportunities, whilst working closely with the managers of our Sporting, Leisure, Property and Woodland operations to maximise the Estate’s long-term amenity value.  

In the long-term there is an opportunity for the successful candidate to become Estate Manager, with overall responsibility for our Woodland, Sporting, Leisure and Property businesses.

Essential experience

• Working at a senior level on a reasonably sized arable farm, growing crops such as cereals, beans, oil seeds and miscanthus.

• Budgeting, controlling costs and maximising revenue.

• Operating, maintaining and repairing farm equipment, including tractors, seed drills, sprayers, combine harvesters and grain dryers.

• Leading by example where all H&S matters are concerned.

• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable experience

• Familiarity with the principles of Conservation Agriculture and their benefits.

• Optimising grant and subsidy income.

• A detailed understanding of Gatekeeper crop management software or equivalent.

• Compliance with Red Tractor assurance.

• Rough terrain telehandler certificate.

• Pesticide certificates, including PA1 & PA2.

• Good welding skills.

• Biomass crops and green energy production.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter demonstrating how you meet the above requirements to giles.rickards@lightwaterholdings.com. If you have any further questions prior to submitting your CV please call Giles on 01765 647940.

You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.