Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic management of a vast rural estate and oversee diverse operational functions.
- Company: Join a valued public sector client focused on land management and environmental stewardship.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a competitive salary in a meaningful role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rural land management while making a positive environmental impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Rural Land Management and experience in estate planning and leadership required.
- Other info: This is a temporary role for 6-12 months with potential for significant influence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen with one of our valued public sector clients for an experienced and forward-thinking Rural Estate Manager to lead the operational and strategic management of a significant rural estate spanning over 14,000 hectares. This senior role offers the chance to shape and deliver the long-term vision of a high-value rural asset portfolio (valued at £245 million), which generates over £6 million in annual revenue and supports nearly 170 tenant-run rural enterprises. The estate also plays a crucial role in environmental stewardship, climate change mitigation, and enhancing biodiversity and public access.
About the Role
As Rural Estate Manager, you will lead a dedicated team of chartered surveyors and a Farms Officer, overseeing a complex portfolio of agricultural, environmental, and renewable energy interests. You will be responsible for:
- Driving the estate's strategic development and delivering a refreshed Rural Asset Management Strategy.
- Leading operational estate functions including landlord and tenant relations, maintenance, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives.
- Providing expert advice to internal stakeholders, council members, auditors, and national bodies.
- Overseeing financial performance, including revenue generation, budget management, and capital receipts.
- Identifying and enabling development opportunities that enhance estate value and align with climate goals.
- Managing external consultants and professional advisors to ensure best-in-class asset advice and service delivery.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We’re looking for a Surveyor with strong experience in rural estate management, ideally within a public or mixed-portfolio setting. You will bring:
- Degree-level education in Rural Land Management or a related field.
- Extensive experience in strategic estate planning, property transactions, valuations, and landlord-tenant matters.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and policy.
- Proven leadership capabilities, with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams through change and delivery.
- A deep understanding of rural property markets, sustainability, and planning policy.
- Additional qualifications in project or people management, and RICS Registered Valuer status, are advantageous but not essential.
Why Apply?
This is a unique leadership opportunity to influence how land is managed in one of the most dynamic rural regions in the UK. The role offers a rare mix of commercial, environmental, and public service impact-with the support of an experienced team and forward-thinking leadership.
Rural Estates Manager employer: Schools Choice
Contact Detail:
Schools Choice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Estates Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in rural estate management and public sector roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific challenges and opportunities facing rural estates in the Cambridgeshire area. Being knowledgeable about local issues will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams through change, as this is a key aspect of the role and will show your capability to lead effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with current trends in sustainability and environmental stewardship within rural estate management. This knowledge will be crucial in aligning with the estate's goals and demonstrating your commitment to these values.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Estates Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in rural estate management, strategic planning, and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex portfolios and drive sustainability initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the role. Emphasise your understanding of rural property markets and your experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any relevant qualifications, such as your degree in Rural Land Management or related fields, and mention any additional certifications like RICS Registered Valuer status. This will strengthen your application.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, provide examples of your leadership capabilities, particularly in managing change and delivering results. Discuss how you have influenced senior stakeholders and contributed to strategic development in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Schools Choice
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Rural Estate Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare to discuss your vision for the estate and how you would approach developing a refreshed Rural Asset Management Strategy. Use examples from your past experience to illustrate your strategic thinking.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams, especially during times of change. Discuss your approach to motivating and guiding your team towards achieving common goals.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
The ideal candidate will have strong commercial skills. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles and how you’ve managed financial performance, including revenue generation and budget management. Use metrics and outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Understand Environmental Stewardship
Given the estate's focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability, be prepared to discuss your understanding of these areas. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've led that align with climate goals and enhancing biodiversity, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
