At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day farming operations and integrate with distillery processes.
- Company: Historic farm at the heart of a premium whisky supply chain.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation available, and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a unique opportunity to shape sustainable farming and distilling practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in farm management and strong technical knowledge required.
- Other info: Be part of a long-term sustainability strategy and make a real impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Grahamslaw Farm is a historic and progressive 670 acre farm at the heart of a 1,500 acre estate near Kelso in the Scottish Borders, comprising arable, grassland, hill farming and high quality sporting enterprises. The farm plays a central role in an exciting and ambitious distilling venture, with on-farm grain drying, storage and malting facilities enabling true field to bottle production from barley grown at Grahamslaw Farm. This is a rare opportunity to lead a farming business that is fully integrated into a premium single malt whisky supply chain, where the quality, character and provenance of the barley genuinely matter and where farming decisions directly shape the character of the whisky and the wider estate. Our long term ambition is to build a world class distillery and farming operation, embedding soil health, circularity and environmental responsibility into every aspect of the business.
The Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and working Farm Manager to lead the day to day farming operation and integrate it closely with the wider distillery and estate. The successful candidate will be responsible for operational delivery across arable, grassland and livestock, while also contributing to long term planning, sustainability objectives and continuous improvement. This role combines practical leadership with stewardship: from producing exceptional distilling barley, to building a high quality livestock enterprise within a closed loop system, to caring for the estate's land, woodland and infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
- Overall management of the arable and grassland enterprises
- Full responsibility for arable operations including cultivations, drilling, spraying, fertiliser applications and harvesting
- Crop planning and delivery to meet distillery quality and specification requirements
- Leadership of varietal selection, crop trials and continuous improvement in yield, quality and consistency
- Stewardship of grain drying, storage and on-farm logistics, including quality control and traceability
- Development and management of a small, high quality livestock enterprise as part of a self-sufficient, circular system (including use of distillery draff for feed, returning manure to fields, and supplying beef for the estate and guests)
- Oversight, care and maintenance of a modern fleet of farm machinery and equipment, ensuring reliability, safety and value retention
- Oversight of buildings, yards and general farm infrastructure
- Responsibility for ongoing farm maintenance and improvement, including fencing, woodland management and estate enhancements
- Health & safety leadership and compliance
- Record keeping, budgeting and regulatory compliance
- Working closely with the distillery and estate teams to align farming output with production plans and future development
- Driving the development of sustainable, low carbon and regenerative farming practices, including soil health, input optimisation and circular resource use
The Ideal Candidate
- Proven experience in farm management or a senior arable role
- Strong technical knowledge of arable systems, livestock basics and modern farm machinery
- Organised, proactive and commercially aware
- Comfortable working within a wider, integrated estate and distillery business
- Genuine interest in crop quality, provenance, sustainability and continuous improvement
- A long term, stewardship mindset with pride in building something exceptional over time
- Practical, hands on leadership style with high standards for maintenance and presentation
- Full UK driving licence (essential)
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- A rare opportunity to lead a farm that sits at the heart of a premium whisky business
- The chance to build a distinctive, high quality livestock enterprise within a field-to-bottle-to-plate vision
- Involvement in a long term, sustainability led estate and distillery strategy
- Supportive working environment with real scope to shape the role and the future of the business
- Accommodation available
How to Apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to: Charlotte Dun
Closing date: Monday 16th March 2026
You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.
Working Farm Manager - Arable, Livestock & Distillery Supply in Kelso employer: Grahamslaw Farm
Contact Detail:
Grahamslaw Farm Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Working Farm Manager - Arable, Livestock & Distillery Supply in Kelso
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the farm and distillery inside out! Before your interview, do some research on Grahamslaw Farm and its operations. Understanding their approach to sustainability and quality will help you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific examples of your farm management skills, especially in arable systems and livestock. We want to see how you've tackled challenges and improved operations in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the team! If possible, reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. This can give you insider knowledge about the company culture and what they value in a Farm Manager, plus it shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect your passion for sustainable farming and your vision for the future of Grahamslaw Farm.
We think you need these skills to ace Working Farm Manager - Arable, Livestock & Distillery Supply in Kelso
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in farm management, especially in arable and livestock roles. Tailor it to showcase your skills that align with our vision for sustainability and quality.
Write a Personal Covering Letter: This is your chance to show us who you are beyond your CV. Share your passion for farming and distilling, and explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Grahamslaw Farm. Make it personal and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your experience, be specific about your achievements and responsibilities. Use examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've contributed to sustainability and continuous improvement in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grahamslaw Farm
✨Know Your Farm Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of arable systems, livestock basics, and modern farm machinery. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a manager but someone who understands the intricacies of the farming operations.
✨Show Your Sustainability Mindset
Since this role focuses heavily on sustainability and circular resource use, be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to these goals. Think about examples from your past experience where you've implemented sustainable practices or improved soil health.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This position requires a practical, hands-on leadership style. Be ready to discuss your previous leadership experiences, particularly in managing teams or projects. Highlight how you maintain high standards for maintenance and presentation on the farm.
✨Align with the Distillery Vision
Understand the connection between farming and distilling at Grahamslaw Farm. Be prepared to talk about how you can integrate farming operations with the distillery's production plans. Showing that you appreciate the importance of quality and provenance in whisky production will set you apart.
