At a Glance
- Tasks: Support farming clients with performance, profitability, and sustainability through hands-on consultancy.
- Company: Join Westcotts, a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth and wellbeing focus.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in agricultural consultancy with expert training and real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in agriculture or related field; passion for farm business management.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We’re Westcotts – a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer, with over 300 team members based across 16 offices in Devon and Somerset. We’re looking for a Trainee Farm Business Consultant to join our team to be based on one of our 16 offices across Somerset, Devon and Wiltshire. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for agriculture who wants to start a career in Agricultural Management Consultancy, supporting farming clients to improve performance, profitability, and long‑term sustainability.
You’ll work closely with experienced advisers and our wider rural team to provide practical, independent advice to farm businesses. With a combination of hands‑on training in agricultural knowledge and business insight, you’ll help clients make informed decisions and plan for the future. Full support and development will be provided, alongside relevant professional development courses, giving you the opportunity to build a long‑term and rewarding career in agricultural consultancy.
Why Westcotts?
- The opportunity to work with a wide range of farming and rural businesses across the South West
- Full training and professional development, including relevant agricultural and consultancy courses
- The chance to build a rewarding career in agricultural management consultancy
- A friendly and collaborative working environment
- A genuine focus on wellbeing and work/life balance
- The opportunity to work alongside experienced rural advisers and specialists
Main Duties
This is a varied and client‑focused role where no two days are the same. Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing technical dairy advice, including independent nutrition guidance, fertility reviews, and forage management support
- Supporting farm businesses through business performance reviews, including the preparation of management accounts and analysis of financial and operational performance
- Assisting with business budgeting, forecasting, and planning, helping clients understand and improve their financial position
- Working closely with farmers and rural businesses to identify opportunities for improvement and provide practical solutions
- Supporting the delivery of tailored business advice that meets the individual needs and goals of each client
- Building strong relationships with clients and understanding their business challenges and ambitions
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across our rural and accounting teams to deliver a comprehensive service to clients
Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic about agriculture and enjoys working with people. Ideally, you’ll have:
- A degree or a related qualification is essential, with a preference for an agricultural qualification or farming / agricultural industry background
- A strong interest in farm business performance and management
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- A proactive and motivated approach, with the drive to develop a career in agricultural consultancy
- The ability to analyse information and present clear, practical advice
- A professional and team‑oriented attitude
Terms / Benefits
- 40 hours / 5 days per week (flexible and hybrid working is available).
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Annual salary review.
- Opportunity to carry over 1 week’s holiday into the following holiday year.
- Death in service 3 x annual salary.
- Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.
- 24-hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
- Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.
- Introducing clients and team member commission schemes.
- Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years’ service.
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay after one years’ service.
- Well-behaved dogs can be brought to the office.
Education
Bachelor's (preferred)
Work Authorisation
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location
Hybrid remote in Calne SN11 8RH
Graduate Trainee Farm Business Consultant in Calne employer: TargetJobs UK
Contact Detail:
TargetJobs UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee Farm Business Consultant in Calne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the agricultural consultancy field, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Westcotts and understanding their values and services. Show genuine enthusiasm for agriculture and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of supporting farm businesses.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's presenting ideas or discussing technical advice, being able to convey your thoughts clearly is key. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Westcotts team and starting your career in agricultural consultancy.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee Farm Business Consultant in Calne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Agriculture: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for agriculture in your application. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in farm business performance and management, so share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase this passion.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send out a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for, so make it personal!
Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills: Since this role involves building strong relationships with clients, be sure to emphasise your communication and interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others, whether in a team setting or with clients.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Know Your Agriculture
Make sure you brush up on your agricultural knowledge before the interview. Understand current trends in farming, sustainability practices, and the challenges farmers face today. This will show your passion for the industry and help you engage in meaningful conversations with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
As a Trainee Farm Business Consultant, building relationships is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past, whether in group projects or during internships. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to connect with clients and colleagues alike.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about Westcotts' approach to agricultural consultancy, their team dynamics, or professional development opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you would approach analysing farm business performance. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical problem or case study during the interview. Brush up on your analytical thinking and be prepared to present clear, practical advice based on the information provided.