At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise farming businesses on profitability and sustainable growth while managing compliance and applications.
- Company: Reputable consultancy serving the Devon and South West agricultural community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Ideal for self-motivated individuals with strong commercial awareness and practical farming knowledge.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in farm consultancy or related fields; degree in Agriculture preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you looking to advance your career in farm business consultancy? Do you bring strong commercial awareness, excellent attention to detail, and a practical farming background?
We are recruiting an experienced Farm Business Consultant to join a highly regarded consultancy serving Devon and the wider South West. In this client-facing role, you will work closely with a diverse portfolio of farming businesses, providing trusted advice to improve profitability, build resilience, and support sustainable long-term planning. This opportunity would suit a self-motivated professional who combines sound commercial judgement with practical farming expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Support clients with grant and stewardship scheme applications, ensuring submissions are accurate, compliant, and commercially aligned.
- Provide practical farm management and strategic business advice to enhance performance and support sustainable growth.
- Manage RPA mapping, claims, and related compliance requirements with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Prepare budgets, cashflow forecasts, and business appraisals to support informed decision-making and performance improvement.
- Advise clients on relevant regulations, assurance standards, and compliance obligations across the agricultural sector.
- Build strong, trusted client relationships and deliver clear, practical recommendations tailored to individual business needs.
- Identify and contribute to new business development opportunities to support the continued growth of the consultancy.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as a Farm Business Consultant or in a similar advisory role.
- A degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
- This role may also suit a graduate or farm secretary seeking their next career move.
- Experience with grants, schemes, and stewardship applications, including working experience with RPA-based schemes.
- Strong practical farming knowledge combined with a commercial mindset.
- Confident communicator with excellent client-facing and relationship-building skills.
- Proactive, organised, and detail-focused, with the ability to manage your own workload effectively.
- Full UK driving licence.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
Farm Business Consultant - Devon & South West employer: De Lacy Executive
Join a leading consultancy in Devon and the South West, where your expertise as a Farm Business Consultant will be valued and nurtured. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer competitive salaries, hybrid working arrangements, and 25 days of annual leave, fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance and professional development. Here, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in a vibrant rural community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Business Consultant - Devon & South West
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like De Lacy Executive often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Business Consultant - Devon & South West
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what De Lacy Executive does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at De Lacy Executive
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with De Lacy Executive will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at De Lacy Executive.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with De Lacy Executive.
