At a Glance
- Tasks: Support farming clients with performance, profitability, and sustainability advice.
- Company: Join Westcotts, a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days leave, health schemes, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in agricultural consultancy with hands-on training and real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in agriculture or related field; strong interest in 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 employer: TargetJobs UK
At Westcotts, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, dedicated to the growth and development of our team members. As a Real Living Wage Employer with a focus on work-life balance, we offer comprehensive training and professional development opportunities in agricultural consultancy, ensuring that you can build a rewarding career while working alongside experienced advisers in a friendly environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the farming community across the South West, where your passion for agriculture will be valued and nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee Farm Business Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the agricultural sector. Attend local farming events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for agriculture! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to share your enthusiasm for the industry. Talk about any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in – it’ll help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Westcotts and their approach to agricultural consultancy. Understand their values and how they support their clients. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to fit their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee Farm Business Consultant
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 Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills:Since this role involves building strong relationships with clients, make sure to emphasise your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you’ve successfully communicated and collaborated with others in the past, whether in work or study settings.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
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
Since this role involves building relationships with clients, be prepared to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or collaborated with others. This will highlight your ability to connect with clients and colleagues alike.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, and the types of clients you'll be working with. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you determine if Westcotts is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you would approach common challenges faced by farm businesses. Think through scenarios where you might need to analyse financial data or provide tailored advice. Practising these problem-solving skills will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
