At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a 900-acre mixed farm, overseeing livestock, crops, and environmental projects.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford's Oxford Green Estate, promoting sustainable farming and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, generous family leave, and an excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth in a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable agriculture while leading innovative farming practices.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 working environment for the Farm Manager role, situated within the picturesque Oxford Green Estate. With a strong commitment to sustainable farming and environmental research, employees benefit from generous leave policies, a supportive community, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and innovative setting. The combination of practical farm management and involvement in cutting-edge agricultural projects makes this position both meaningful and rewarding.
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 local farming meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience managing mixed farming operations. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in livestock and arable management.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and adaptable! The role requires working outside standard hours, so be prepared to demonstrate your willingness to go the extra mile. Share any past experiences where you've had to adjust your schedule for the sake of farm operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you submit it through our platform. This way, we can keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Manager, University of Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Farming:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for mixed farming operations. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for agriculture and sustainability. This will help us understand why you're the perfect fit for our farm!
Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to know about your hands-on experience managing livestock and arable activities. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills in overseeing farm operations, managing budgets, and coordinating teams. The more detail, the better!
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills:Farming can be unpredictable, so we’re looking for candidates who can think on their feet. In your application, mention any challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. This will show us that you’re ready for the dynamic environment of our farm.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Farm Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mixed farming operations, especially livestock and arable crops. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of farm management and sustainable practices.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Farm Manager, you'll need to coordinate staff and contractors effectively. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led a team or managed resources, highlighting your organisational and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the University of Oxford's agricultural research initiatives and environmental projects. Being able to discuss how your role can support these efforts will show your commitment to the farm's mission and values.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet. Prepare for hypothetical situations related to farm operations, budgets, or compliance issues, and think through how you would handle them in real-time.
