Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead livestock operations, ensuring animal welfare and sustainable practices on a historic estate.
- Company: Join the Sandringham Estate, a royal retreat focused on organic farming and biodiversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work in a unique environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable farming while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in agriculture or related field and significant livestock management experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative agricultural setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Farm Manager, this permanent full-time position is located at Sandringham Estate. The Estate is the country retreat of His Majesty the King and consists of 8,279 hectares, of which 2,700 hectares are farmed in hand.
The farming operation is a critical part of the Estate, with a primary objective to farm organically in hand with nature. This includes producing sustainably grown food while managing habitats for biodiversity. The farms have been farmed organically since 2019 and consist of:
- 2,400 ha of organic arable rotation, including fertility building herbal leys, cover crops, wheat, barley, rye, oats, and peas.
- 200 ha of permanent pasture.
- Organic livestock: 1,000 breeding ewes (Aberfield) and a commercial suckler herd of pedigree Beef Shorthorns.
- Small non-commercial herds of Longhorns and British White cattle for conservation grazing.
The current 1,000 strong Aberfield mule flock is self-replacing and produces finished lamb for a premium supermarket retailer, with an emphasis on maternal, easy lambing genetics and the use of technology where appropriate. Ewes are lambed outdoors, and lambs are finished on a forage-only diet. A herd of pedigree Beef Shorthorn-based sucklers was established in 2021, aiming to calve up to 100 cows within the next 3 years, with all progeny finished on-farm using 100% homegrown forage.
Overall Job Purpose: The Senior Livestock Operations Manager holds strategic responsibility for planning, performance, and continuous improvement of all livestock enterprises across the Estate. This role sets the long-term vision and annual targets for breeding, rearing, and finishing operations, ensuring alignment with the Estate's commercial, environmental, and welfare objectives. Responsibilities include:
- Leading the operational management of the Estate's cattle and sheep enterprises.
- Providing oversight of the beef enterprise and leadership to shepherds managing the sheep enterprise.
- Setting and upholding exemplary standards of animal welfare.
- Designing and implementing AMP grazing rotations for cattle.
- Coordinating rotational grazing plans for sheep.
- Driving regenerative land management practices.
- Collaborating closely with the Assistant Farm Manager and reporting progress to the Farm Manager.
- Maintaining strategic accountability for livestock data systems.
- Preparing financial forecasts and drafting enterprise budgets.
- Promoting a positive working culture through strong leadership.
- Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety policies.
- Developing and implementing a performance monitoring framework.
Candidate Requirements: A relevant university degree is essential, along with significant experience in a livestock management role. Key requirements include:
- Experience in managing spring outdoor lambing operations.
- Knowledge of regenerative grazing systems.
- Understanding of pedigree native cattle breeds.
- Expertise in spring calving of suckler cows.
- Ability to take a holistic approach to livestock management.
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and assurance schemes.
- Experience in budget management and data analysis.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Self-motivated, well-organised, and capable of leading a team.
- A full UK driving licence is required.
You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.
Livestock Manager employer: Sandringham Estate
Contact Detail:
Sandringham Estate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Livestock Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the livestock industry, attend local farming events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up prepared! If you land an interview, research the Sandringham Estate and its sustainable practices. Bring your A-game by having examples ready that showcase your experience in livestock management and how you align with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and 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 seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Sandringham Estate.
We think you need these skills to ace Livestock Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Livestock: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for livestock management shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your love for animals and sustainable farming practices. We want to see your genuine interest in the role!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Livestock Manager position. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just click the Apply Button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandringham Estate
✨Know Your Livestock Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of livestock management, especially regarding the breeds mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss your experience with pedigree cattle and outdoor lambing operations, as well as any innovative grazing systems you've implemented.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you've fostered a positive working culture, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
The Estate places a strong emphasis on sustainability and organic farming. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of regenerative practices and how you've applied them in previous roles. Show that you’re not just about productivity but also about environmental stewardship.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role requires maintaining livestock data systems, come equipped with examples of how you've used data analysis in your previous positions. Discuss how you've ensured compliance and readiness for audits, as this will demonstrate your attention to detail and strategic thinking.
