At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a 900-acre mixed farm, overseeing livestock and crop activities.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford's Oxford Green Estate, promoting sustainable farming.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of leave, generous family leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on farming and environmental research while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in mixed farming operations and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to manage a 900-acre mixed farm that is part of the University of Oxford's Oxford Green Estate. The farm includes livestock, grassland, and arable crops and supports farming, environmental projects, and agricultural research. As Farm Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the farm, ensuring operations are safe, efficient, and productive. You will plan and manage livestock and cropping activities, coordinate staff and contractors, maintain farm infrastructure, help manage budgets and farm records, and work closely with research teams and farming partners to support field trials, new farming approaches, and environmental schemes. This hands-on leadership role offers the chance to be involved in practical farm management as well as longer-term planning and improvement projects. The role requires flexibility to work outside standard hours, including weekends, in line with operational requirements. The Oxford Green Estate manages farmland and green spaces that support sustainable farming, biodiversity, and education. Our farm combines commercial agriculture with environmental improvement and research, creating a varied and rewarding place to work.
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day farm operations.
- Plan and manage livestock and arable activities.
- Coordinate staff and contractors.
- Maintain farm infrastructure.
- Help manage budgets and farm records.
- Support field trials and research projects.
Qualifications
- Proven experience managing mixed farming operations involving both livestock and arable enterprises.
- Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience managing farm operations, resources, and budgets effectively.
- Knowledge of agricultural compliance, Health & Safety, and sustainable farming practices.
- Full UK driving licence.
Benefits
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- Generous family leave scheme: up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- Excellent contributory pension scheme.
- On-site accommodation.
- Full use of a farm vehicle.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options: cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through social, cultural, and sports clubs.
Farm Manager, University of Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers an exceptional work environment for the Farm Manager role, situated within the picturesque Oxford Green Estate. Employees benefit from a generous leave policy, including 38 days of annual leave and a supportive family leave scheme, alongside access to on-site accommodation and a vibrant community. With a strong focus on sustainable farming practices and opportunities for professional growth through collaboration with research teams, this position promises a fulfilling and impactful career in agricultural management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Manager, University of Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the agricultural sector, especially those connected to the University of Oxford. Attend industry events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with mixed farming operations, livestock management, and any innovative projects you've been involved in. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for hands-on discussions! Since this role is all about practical farm management, be prepared to talk about your day-to-day experiences and how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Oxford Green Estate team.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Manager, University of Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Farm Manager role. Highlight your experience with mixed farming operations, livestock management, and any relevant projects you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainable farming and how your background aligns with the University of Oxford's values. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in farm management before. Whether it's improving efficiency or managing budgets, we want to see how you think on your feet!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Farm Management Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of mixed farming operations, especially livestock and arable practices. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences managing similar operations and how you ensured safety and productivity.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your organisational abilities. Think about times when you coordinated staff or managed budgets effectively. This role requires strong planning skills, so be ready to demonstrate how you can keep everything running smoothly.
✨Understand Sustainability and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with agricultural compliance and sustainable farming practices. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these in past roles and how you can contribute to the University’s commitment to environmental improvement.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that put you in real-life farm management situations. Think through how you would handle challenges like unexpected weather changes or staffing issues. Showing your problem-solving skills will impress the interviewers.