Farm Manager

Velcourt Group; Bristol; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural management company is seeking a Farm Manager for Plumpton College Farm in East Sussex. Responsibilities include managing operations, ensuring safety, and developing teams. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills and experience in either dairy or arable management. This role offers a competitive salary and onsite accommodation.

Benefits

Competitive salary

On site accommodation

Qualifications

• Proven experience in team leadership and management.
• Strong background in arable or dairy farm management.
• Experience in budgeting and business analysis required.

Responsibilities

• Overall management of all farming enterprises.
• Lead Health & Safety culture across operations.
• Conduct budgeting and financial planning.

Skills

Team leadership

People management

Financial understanding

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Health & Safety commitment

Education

BASIS and FACTS qualifications

Job description

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Velcourt team as Farm Manager at Plumpton College Farm, a diverse and high-profile mixed farming enterprise located within the South Downs. Working in close partnership with Plumpton College, the farm forms an integral part of the College’s land-based education, providing a commercial and practical setting across approximately 800 hectares of arable, dairy, beef, sheep and pig enterprises.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the farm business, including leading and developing the team of enterprise heads, ensuring safe and efficient operations across all units, and maintaining the high standards expected of both Velcourt and Plumpton College. The role also involves working closely with the College team to provide a safe, educational and inspiring environment for students engaged in practical learning on the farm.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overall management and coordination of all farming enterprises.
• Leading Health & Safety culture across all operations, with specific responsibility for student and staff welfare when on farm.
• Budgeting, financial planning and business reporting.
• Developing operational plans and supporting enterprise managers in their delivery.
• Working collaboratively with College staff and external stakeholders.

Essential requirements

• Proven team leadership and people management skills.
• Strong background in either arable or dairy farm management, ideally within a multi-enterprise business.
• Sound financial understanding with experience of budgeting, cost control and business analysis.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• A strong commitment to Health & Safety and staff development.
• BASIS and FACTS qualifications (preferred but not required).

You will need to demonstrate a high level of commercial and operational awareness, combined with an appreciation of the unique environment of working alongside a leading land-based college. This is a dynamic and rewarding role offering exceptional variety and the opportunity to contribute to the training and development of the next generation of agricultural professionals.

As a manager within Velcourt, you will receive ongoing personal development, training and support as required. A very competitive salary and benefits package is offered with on site large 3 bed house.

Closing date for applications 4th November 2025

Accommodation: On site large 3 bed house

Address: Plumpton College, Ditchling Road, Plumpton, East Sussex, BN7 3AE

For More Information

For more information please contact Charlie Batten, Farms Director, 07779 681359 [e-mail]

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