At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in farm operations, shaping the future of agricultural education.
- Company: Reaseheath College, a leader in agricultural education and innovation.
- Benefits: Up to £60K salary, farmhouse accommodation, 35 days leave, and generous pension.
- Other info: Join us at a pivotal time of growth and transformation in the agricultural sector.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable farming and student learning in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Level 5 qualification and senior management experience in agriculture required.
Status: Permanent, full-time
Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 2nd November 2025
Assessment Centre Date: Friday 14th November
Salary: Up to £60K plus farmhouse accommodation and utility bills
For further information on the role, please refer to the attached candidate pack below.
Overview
Reaseheath College farm is a nationally recognised centre of excellence for agricultural education and innovation. Located in the heart of Cheshire, our 600-acre mixed farm delivers high-quality, hands-on training while operating as a fully commercial enterprise. It supports a 300-head pedigree Holstein and Ayrshire dairy herd, alongside thriving sheep, pig, and arable enterprises. With state-of-the-art facilities including a GEA rapid exit parlour, Lely A5 robotic milkers, a Lely Vector feeding system, and robotic slurry management, we are proud to be at the forefront of UK land-based education and farming technology.
In addition to our dairy operations, the farm is home to over 150 commercial sheep, including a newly established flock of pedigree Suffolk ewes. Our pig enterprise features a variety of rare breed fattening pigs-predominantly Oxford Sandy and Black, Berkshire, and Gloucester Old Spot-reared on a rolling bed and breakfast system. This supports our farm-to-fork initiative and enhances the educational experience for our students.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to take on the role of Director of Farm Operations and Innovation. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead Reaseheath College\'s farming strategy, ensuring a commercially successful, sustainable, and industry-leading farm that also serves as a centre of excellence for education, training, and knowledge exchange.
You will be joining the College at a pivotal time of growth and transformation. As the Director of Farm Operations and Innovation, you will contribute to relationships with industry bodies and stakeholders, secure funding through grants and partnerships, and represent Reaseheath on a regional and national stage. You will ensure the farm is central to the College\'s strategic vision and play a pivotal role in shaping the UK agricultural sector
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and implement the College\'s farming strategy
- Oversee all farming activities, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and innovation.
- Collaborate with academic teams to maximise student learning opportunities.
- Promote sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
- Drive continuous improvement and embed LEAN and precision farming.
- Manage budgets, resources, and staff performance effectively.
- Represent the College in industry networks and knowledge exchange forums.
The successful candidate will:
- A minimum of Level 5 qualification (FdSc/HND or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- Proven experience in a senior management role within the agricultural industry.
- Strong leadership, communication, and networking skills.
- A track record of managing high-performing agricultural enterprises.
- Knowledge of LEAN, precision farming, and sustainability practices.
- Financial and budget management expertise.
We can offer you:
- 35 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous pension scheme
- On site gym membership available
- Pluxee reward scheme and other staff benefits
For more information, please refer to the additional job description.
Please note this role constitutes \'regulated activity\' as defined by the Protection of Freedom Act 2012. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with barred list information prior to starting employment. You must also have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide evidence to support this. In addition, online checks will be carried out during the recruitment process. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Reaseheath College is committed to achieving its public sector general equality duty, which is set out in the Equality Act 2010. The College has a clear mission and clear values, which incorporate equality, diversity and inclusion.
The College staff recruitment and selection process, CPD processes, policies and practice are designed to ensure that when employment decisions are made, they are based solely on the skills and qualities required for the position and comply with all relevant employment legislation and best practice standards.
Disability Support
The College is a Disability Confident Employer and will support any reasonable adjustments you require to perform your best during the recruitment process. You can contact the HR team at should you require any adjustments during either your application or during the assessment centre.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised close date if we receive sufficient applications.
We do not accept applications or speculative CVs through recruitment agencies.
You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.
Director of Farm Operations and Innovation in Nantwich employer: Reaseheath College
Reaseheath College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a nationally recognised agricultural centre of excellence in the picturesque heart of Cheshire. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide 35 days of annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises sustainability and educational excellence. Join us in shaping the future of agriculture while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Farm Operations and Innovation in Nantwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the assessment centre by practising common interview questions and scenarios. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for innovation in agriculture during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've implemented new ideas or technologies in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Farm Operations and Innovation in Nantwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in agricultural management and innovation. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for the farm!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Director, strong leadership is key! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love to see candidates who can inspire and drive change.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any hands-on experience you have with farming operations, sustainability practices, or financial management. This role is all about making an impact, so let us know how you’ve done that before!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reaseheath College
✨Know Your Farming Innovations
Make sure to brush up on the latest trends in agricultural technology and sustainable practices. Familiarise yourself with the state-of-the-art facilities at Reaseheath College, like the GEA rapid exit parlour and Lely robotic systems. Being able to discuss these innovations will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led teams or projects in the agricultural sector. Highlight how you’ve driven efficiency and innovation, as well as how you’ve managed budgets and resources effectively.
✨Engage with Industry Knowledge
Research Reaseheath College's partnerships and industry relationships. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these connections and secure funding through grants. Showing that you’re proactive about networking will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the college’s vision.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world farming situations. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will help you illustrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are crucial for this position.
