Head of Rural Estates

Head of Rural Estates

Full-Time 54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team managing a 14,000-hectare rural estate with strategic and financial oversight.
  • Company: Join a large Local Authority Client focused on sustainable rural estate management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment and competitive day rate.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on climate goals while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic setting.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Rural Land Management or similar, with extensive experience in estate management required.
  • Other info: This is a full-time, 9-month contract role based in Cambridgeshire.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.

Head of Rural Estates Day Rate Negotiable – Let us know what you are looking for? Full time 9 Month Contract Initially Cambridgeshire / Hybrid – flexible We are looking for a Head of Rural Estates Manager for our large Local Authority Client on an initial 9 month contractual basis. The role leads a team managing Our Clients 14,000-hectare rural estate, ensuring strategic, financial, and environmental performance. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, delivering budgets, advising stakeholders, driving development opportunities, and supporting climate and biodiversity goals, while maintaining accurate property records and maximising value from the estate’s £245 million assets and £6 million annual revenue. Main accountabilities: * Lead a team of 4 professional surveyors and a Farms Officer in delivering estate management, capital works, landlord and tenant services, and environmental stewardship. * Drive the development, implementation, and review of the Rural Asset Management Strategy and Farm Management Plans. * Ensure the efficient delivery of operational and capital budgets, maximising income, cost-efficiency, and debt recovery. * Oversee major projects and complex negotiations for acquisitions, disposals, and contracts aligned to financial and climate targets. * Collaborate with planning and asset teams to optimise the estate through development opportunities. Skills and Experience: * Leading edge knowledge of Rural Estate Management practice, including the application of current law and practice, planning policy, Local Development Frameworks status, property valuation, development appraisals and the property market across the region * Current and emerging practice in the strategic management of substantial agricultural landed estates in the public, investment, and private sectors * Up to date market knowledge of trends and activity in the rural land market nationally * Degree in Rural Land Management (or similar) * Experience in a Estates Manager, Head of Estates, Surveyor or Land Manager based role * MRICS membership (or equivalent) * Extensive experience managing large rural estates * Expertise in valuations, landlord & tenant law, planning and rural asset strategy * Outstanding stakeholder management and leadership skills * Budget management and commercial acumen * Strong influencing and negotiation skills If this role is of interest and you meet the above criteria, then please apply immediately

Head of Rural Estates employer: SOLOS Consultants Ltd

As a leading Local Authority in Cambridgeshire, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and sustainability. Our flexible hybrid work culture promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the organisation. Join us in managing a significant rural estate, where your expertise will contribute to meaningful environmental stewardship and community impact.
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Contact Detail:

SOLOS Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Rural Estates

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the rural estate management field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meet-ups to connect with others who may have insights or opportunities related to the Head of Rural Estates role.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the specific challenges and opportunities facing rural estates in Cambridgeshire. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your knowledge and commitment during any discussions with potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlighting your experience in leading surveyors and managing budgets will be crucial for this role.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with current trends in rural land management and environmental stewardship. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will set you apart as a candidate who is not only qualified but also forward-thinking.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Rural Estates

Rural Estate Management
Knowledge of Current Law and Practice
Planning Policy Expertise
Local Development Frameworks
Property Valuation
Development Appraisals
Market Analysis in Rural Land
Strategic Management of Agricultural Estates
MRICS Membership or Equivalent
Stakeholder Management
Leadership Skills
Budget Management
Commercial Acumen
Influencing Skills
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in rural estate management, particularly any leadership roles or projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in managing large estates and your understanding of current laws and practices.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for rural estate management and how your skills align with the role. Mention your experience with budget management, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship, as these are key aspects of the position.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your degree in Rural Land Management (or similar) and any relevant certifications, such as MRICS membership. This will help demonstrate your qualifications and commitment to the field.

Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves leading a team, provide examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams in the past, driven development opportunities, and achieved strategic goals in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at SOLOS Consultants Ltd

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Rural Estates, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire and guide others.

✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Rural Estate Management

Familiarise yourself with current laws, planning policies, and market trends related to rural estate management. Be ready to discuss how you would apply this knowledge to enhance the performance of the estate and meet financial and environmental goals.

✨Prepare for Budget Management Questions

Since budget management is a key responsibility, think about your experience with financial oversight. Prepare to discuss how you've maximised income and cost-efficiency in previous roles, and be ready to provide specific examples of successful budget management.

✨Highlight Your Stakeholder Management Experience

Stakeholder engagement is crucial in this role. Be prepared to talk about your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, including local authorities, tenants, and community members. Share examples of how you've navigated complex negotiations and built consensus.

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