Calf-Rearing Site Manager — Devon Salary: £40,000–£50,000, depending on experience Accommodation: ;House included Good with calves. Confident with people. Ready to take the lead? The opportunity An large calf-rearing business in Devon is looking for a hands-on Site Manager to lead its team and oversee daily operations across two sites, with visits to additional farms rearing calves for the business. The role combines practical calf care with staff management, planning and record keeping. It suits someone who can organise people, make sound decisions and take ownership of the day-to-day operation. You will work closely with the owner, with increasing responsibility as you demonstrate competence and build the working relationship. The operation The business rears dairy-cross beef calves using modern housing and automatic feeding equipment. Experience with livestock software, alongside the ability to monitor feeding performance and maintain accurate records. Your responsibilities * Lead and organise a team expected to grow to approximately 12–15 staff. * Plan daily workloads, delegate clearly and check that work is completed properly. * Remain actively involved in calf care and support the team with practical work. * Carry out regular site walk-rounds, maintaining animal welfare, cleanliness, housekeeping and organisation. * Oversee feeding and weaning routines, automatic feeders and calves requiring additional attention. * Coordinate calf movements and work across the main sites and external rearing farms. * Oversee health monitoring, treatments and medicine records under agreed veterinary protocols. * Monitor growth, illness, mortality, feed use and rearing costs, agreeing targets and improvements with the owner. * Maintain livestock records and help oversee biosecurity, site safety and equipment upkeep. * Work with vets, supplying farms, customers, feed suppliers and contractors. * Develop staff through clear instruction, practical training and consistent feedback. What we’re looking for You will need practical calf-rearing experience and proven ability to manage people. You should be comfortable giving clear instructions, delegating work and addressing problems constructively. We’re looking for someone who takes ownership, maintains standards and becomes a dependable point of contact for the team and owner. Experience with automatic calf feeders, AgriWebb and managing more than one site would be an advantage. Your first six months The initial priority will be to establish clear responsibilities, organised daily routines and consistent standards across the team. Working with the owner, you will develop a practical management plan covering staffing, calf care, housekeeping and performance monitoring. The package and progression * Salary of £40,000–£50,000, depending on experience. * Accommodation plans in progress, with details to be discussed. * An opportunity to influence how an expanding operation is organised and managed. * Increasing responsibility as the business grows. * Scope to become involved in budgeting and cost management over time, with potential future incentives to be discussed. Working hours, rota, weekend commitments, relief arrangements and the start date will be agreed during the recruitment process. Candidate requirements All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment
Calf-Rearing Site Manager employer: Talent Agri
Join a well-established commercial poultry business in Berkshire, where you will be part of a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of bird welfare and production. With competitive salary packages and included accommodation, this role offers not only a chance for professional growth but also a meaningful opportunity to make a real impact in the poultry industry. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values responsibility and innovation, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Calf-Rearing Site Manager
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Talent Agri often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Talent Agri does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Agri
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Talent Agri will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Talent Agri.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Talent Agri.
