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- Tasks: Lead and manage the North East Farm Business Support Service, driving innovative support for farming.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking National Park Authority with strong values and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to work in stunning landscapes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rural communities and farm businesses during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education in land-based or project management discipline; experience in managing projects and teams.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 35700 - 40000 £ per year.
£41,771 - £46,142 per annum | Fixed Term (3 years) | Full Time
Rothbury or Hexham (hybrid working available)
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced, motivated and collaborative leader to take on the role of Service Manager for the North East Farm Business Support Service, an exciting regional programme supporting farm businesses and rural communities across the North East. Working within our Park Management Directorate, you’ll provide strategic leadership for the service on behalf of Northumberland National Park Authority and key regional partners. You’ll manage a small project team, oversee programme delivery and budgets, and act as a key ambassador for the project locally, regionally and nationally. This is a high-profile role offering the opportunity to shape and showcase innovative support for farming, land management and rural enterprise during a period of significant change for the sector.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading the strategic development and delivery of the North East Farm Business Support Service
- Managing and supporting a small team, fostering a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture
- Working closely with delivery partners including Northumberland County Council, Durham County Council, Gateshead Council and the North East Combined Authority
- Holding overall responsibility for budget management, claims, reporting and programme governance
- Promoting and showcasing the programme internally and externally, including engagement with land managers, education providers, food and drink initiatives and the agri-tech sector
- Leading monitoring, evaluation and reporting to funding bodies and partner organisations
- Preparing and presenting reports to ensure effective governance, compliance and accountability
About you
You’ll bring a strong mix of strategic thinking, partnership working and practical delivery experience, along with a genuine understanding of farming and rural economies. We’re looking for someone who has:
- Degree-level education in a land-based or project management discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Strong knowledge of farm businesses and the policy landscape affecting farming and rural communities
- Proven experience of managing people, projects and budgets, ideally within grant-funded programmes
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with landowners, partners and senior stakeholders
- Experience of collaborative partnership working and externally delivered contracts
- The ability to lead independently, build relationships and engage stakeholders early and effectively
Be part of a forward-thinking National Park Authority with strong values and a collaborative culture. Play a key role in shaping the future of farming and rural enterprise in the North East. Flexible hybrid working and the chance to work across one of the UK’s most inspiring landscapes. Work on a flagship regional programme with real impact for farm businesses and communities.
How to apply
If this role sounds like it’s for you, then we really would like to hear from you. The Park Authority is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class. If you are an applicant with disabilities who meets the essential requirements of the post, we will interview you. For more information, please see our job pack available on our website.
North East Farm Business Support Service Manager in Hexham employer: Northumberland National Park Authority
Contact Detail:
Northumberland National Park Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land North East Farm Business Support Service Manager in Hexham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the farming and rural enterprise sectors. Attend local events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for farming and rural communities. Let them see how much you care about making a difference in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its partners. Understand their goals and challenges, especially in the context of the North East. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit that application!
We think you need these skills to ace North East Farm Business Support Service Manager in Hexham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a small team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you've fostered collaboration and high performance in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland National Park Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of farm businesses and the current policy landscape affecting rural communities. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative culture and how you've influenced positive outcomes in previous roles. This is key for a Service Manager position!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your experience in engaging with various stakeholders, from landowners to local councils. Be ready to share specific instances where you've built relationships and collaborated effectively.
✨Budget Management Know-How
Since you'll be responsible for budget management, come prepared to discuss your experience with financial planning and reporting. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in grant-funded projects to the table.