The Audley End Estate - North Essex - Estates Director

The Estate extends to approximately 2,630 Ha (6,500 acres) and is situated in north Essex, some 14 miles south of Cambridge and on the edge of the attractive town of Saffron Walden.

It is a diverse rural estate managed with core values of stewardship and a community based focus which the owners are keen is maintained in the years ahead.

As part of a progressive plan to invest in its fabric, the Trustees have embarked on various projects to improve the infrastructure of the estate, evidenced recently by the completion of a 10,000 tonne grain store.

The owners wish to diversify the estate including its income streams, which has been exemplified by the completion of a successful seasonal retail facility, the Christmas Barn.

Whilst being mindful of its unique value especially its heritage and its landscape, the owners have begun to progress the promotion of development opportunities where appropriate.

The estate has a strong community based ethos and is keen to continue the need to positively engage with the various stakeholders in the local area especially those situated on the estate.

Responsibilities

• To drive forward the estate business in accordance with an agreed strategy with the Trustees, and within the parameters of the adopted estate policy.
• To lead, direct and manage the fifteen estate staff, for the benefit of the estate’s business.
• To take responsibility for day to day decision making, including all routine management issues and to report to the Trustees on a periodic basis within the framework of the meetings already established.
• To take overall responsibility for the financial performance of the estate business including in conjunction with the Farm’s Manager, the in-hand farm.
• To handle all issues in relation to stakeholder engagement, delegating where appropriate.
• To analyse and undertake viabilities in relation to new projects, seeking help where required, in order to assess their economic viability and suitability on the estate.
• To oversee the preparation and periodic reconciliation of estate budgets liaising with the Trustees as required and to prepare formal plans for capital receipts and expenditure.

Property Management

• To oversee the management of the estate property together with the existing residential property manager, and to supervise the commercial and agricultural lettings.
• To negotiate and manage all let farm tenancies and to receive all farm notices and act upon them.
• In conjunction with the residential property manager, to oversee the overall repair and maintenance programme to estate property.

Development

• To bring forward all relevant planning and development issues including identification of the highest and best use for the various estate property assets.

Agriculture

• To liaise with the farm manager in relation to the in-hand farming operation.
• To supervise the running of the estate’s shoot in conjunction with the gamekeeper.
• To supervise the management of the estate woodland.

Sustainability (including Environmental Management)

• To develop, manage and maintain the estate’s approach to environmental management.

Attributes

The successful candidate is likely to have the following attributes:

• To be a good communicator.
• To share the owners core values of stewardship and a community based focus in managing the estate.
• To be able to lead small teams and delegate effectively.
• To be a clear thinker and have the ability to prioritise.
• To have an eye for detail.
• Be prepared to innovate and put forward new opportunities.
• Have good IT skills in relation to helping implement the most efficient management systems for the estate.
• To have excellent diplomatic skills in dealing with all stakeholders.
• Be prepared to invest themselves in Estate life and the local community.

Remuneration

A competitive salary package including accommodation will be available and will be commensurate with experience.

Please contact Sue Monks on 07929 742757 for a more detailed job description and thereafter send a CV to

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