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 flexible hybrid working and a competitive day rate based on your expectations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate goals while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Rural Land Management and MRICS membership required; extensive experience in estate management preferred.
- Other info: This is an initial 9-month contract with potential for extension based on performance.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ 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 estates £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 strateg
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 in Huntingdon employer: SOLOS Consultants Ltd
Contact Detail:
SOLOS Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Rural Estates in Huntingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in rural estate management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others in the field. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the local authority's current projects and initiatives related to rural estates. Understanding their priorities will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your leadership and stakeholder management skills. Think of scenarios where you've successfully led a team or negotiated complex agreements, as these are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in rural land management and environmental stewardship. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to drive the organisation's climate goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Rural Estates in Huntingdon
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Explain why you are passionate about rural estate management and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree in Rural Land Management or similar qualifications, as well as your MRICS membership. Emphasise any additional certifications or training that may be relevant to the position.
Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills: Provide examples of your experience in stakeholder management and collaboration. Highlight any successful negotiations or partnerships you've led, especially those that relate to environmental stewardship or financial performance.
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 Discussions
Since budget management is a key responsibility, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively managed budgets in previous roles. Discuss strategies you've implemented to maximise income and ensure cost-efficiency.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Experience
Stakeholder management is crucial in this role. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders, including local authorities and community members, to achieve common goals. This will showcase your influencing and negotiation skills.