Flock Manager in Kirkwall

Brockton House Farm is looking for an experienced and ambitious Flock Manager to lead and develop our sheep enterprise. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about sheep farming and is looking for a role where they can take real ownership, contribute ideas and help shape the future direction of a progressive livestock business. Based on a ring-fenced farm in Shropshire, with excellent sheep handling facilities and significant investment in livestock infrastructure, this role offers the chance to work within a forward-thinking farming operation focused on high standards of animal welfare, performance and continuous improvement.

We're looking for someone who combines excellent stockmanship with strong leadership skills, a proactive mindset and a genuine desire to build and improve a successful flock. The successful candidate will be comfortable leading and supporting other members of the farm team, including seasonal and temporary staff during busy periods such as lambing.

The Role

As Flock Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the flock, the leadership of staff working within the sheep enterprise, and the ongoing development of the business. This is a hands-on position that requires practical livestock experience, strong organisational skills and the confidence to make decisions, lead a team and take responsibility for flock performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily management of the sheep flock, including ewes, lambs and rams
• Planning and overseeing lambing operations
• Monitoring flock health, welfare and performance
• Administering treatments and working closely with veterinary advisors when required
• Developing and implementing grazing strategies, including rotational and mob grazing systems
• Recording and analysing flock performance data using AgriWebb and other farm management software
• Maintaining accurate livestock records and ensuring compliance with all assurance requirements
• Operating tractors, loaders and livestock handling equipment safely and efficiently
• Maintaining livestock infrastructure, fencing and water systems
• Managing, supervising and supporting staff involved in the flock enterprise
• Coordinating and overseeing additional lambing staff during peak periods
• Ensuring all staff work safely and maintain the high welfare standards expected across the business
• Providing training, guidance and day-to-day direction to team members as required
• Assisting with wider farm operations as required
• Driving continuous improvement across lamb growth rates, flock productivity, welfare and profitability
• Regular meetings with Arable Manager, Stores Manager and Business MD to plan resources, review management accounts and ensure success.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience working with and managing commercial sheep flocks
• Strong lambing experience within larger-scale systems
• Excellent stockmanship and a genuine passion for sheep farming
• A thorough understanding of sheep health, welfare and husbandry
• Experience of rotational grazing, mob grazing or other progressive grazing systems
• Experience using AgriWebb or similar livestock management software
• Competence operating tractors, loaders and farm machinery
• Relevant machinery certificates or tickets, desirable
• Previous experience supervising or managing staff within a livestock enterprise
• Confidence organising workloads and coordinating teams during busy periods
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• A practical, proactive and positive attitude
• The ability to lead by example and maintain high standards across the flock operation
• The confidence to take ownership of the flock and contribute ideas for improvement

What We Offer

• £35,000 salary
• Attractive two-bedroom cottage included with the role
• Up to £10,000 annual performance bonus linked to flock performance and agreed development objectives
• A well-invested farming operation with excellent livestock facilities
• An established grazing platform with opportunities to further develop grazing systems
• The opportunity to lead and develop a progressive sheep enterprise
• A supportive environment where new ideas are encouraged and valued
• Career development opportunities within a growing and ambitious agricultural business
• The chance to work alongside the wider Pickstock Foods group and gain exposure to one of the UK's leading integrated livestock businesses

Working Pattern

The role includes weekend responsibilities on a rota basis, typically every other weekend. Weekend duties are kept to a minimum and are generally limited to essential flock checks and welfare monitoring. The rota typically operates on a pattern of 12 shifts on followed by 2 shifts off, although flexibility will be required during key periods of the farming calendar, particularly lambing.

If you are an enthusiastic and progressive sheep farmer looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, lead a team, and help drive the future of a growing enterprise, we would love to hear from you.