AUDLEY END ESTATE
Saffron Walden, Essex
Mar 05, 2026
Full time
Farming sits at the heart of the estate's identity and landscape. Due to retirement, we are seeking an outstanding Farm Manager to lead the next phase: maintaining strong profitability while driving soil health, biodiversity outcomes and data led decision making, and playing a central role within the wider estate team. This is an influential role offering genuine autonomy, scope to innovate, and the opportunity to help shape a regionally significant farming and land management operation. The Farm Manager will: Have full responsibility for the day to day and strategic management of the farming enterprise against the defined set of goals and targets. Plan, deliver and continuously refine cropping, input, machinery, marketing and environmental strategies Lead and motivate the farm team, fostering pride, curiosity and accountability Work closely with the Estate Director and other estate colleagues Appoint and manage advisers positively, with confidence to challenge and clarify Take ownership of stewardship agreements, schemes and claims Ensure robust operational, financial and environmental reporting This is a highly visible role within the estate, requiring both practical credibility and strategic judgement. Essential Attributes We are seeking an individual who is: Enthusiastic, curious and confident enough to challenge established practice Open to experimentation and innovation Visible and approachable, with strong interpersonal skills Detail oriented but able to step back and see the bigger picture Confident operator of modern machinery who holds PA1 and PA2 certificates Working knowledge of Excel, Word and farm management software, and comfortable using data to inform decision making. Well read, informed and engaged with current thinking in farming and land management Interest in regenerative, organic or environmentally positive systems Proud of producing good crops, but equally proud of the systems behind them Experience (Desirable but not Essential) Proven experience as a Farm Manager or Assistant Manager on a productive arable unit. Managing people and working collaboratively within a wider management team Implementing and claiming agri environment schemes and grants The right candidate will have experience of, and a passion for, UK agriculture. They will understand the challenges facing the industry while being motivated by the opportunities ahead. Recognising that no one can know everything, they will be committed to continuous learning and professional growth. In return, we will provide access to training and development within an estate that has recently strengthened its infrastructure and is actively investing in its future. Why Audley End? This is an opportunity to: Lead a high quality farming operation with strong foundations Shape a genuinely long term land management strategy Work within a supportive, ambitious estate environment Access to funded training and development opportunities Be part of a business that aspires to set standards rather than follow them An attractive remuneration package including accommodation (if required) will be offered, reflecting the responsibility of the role. Application Closing Date: Wednesday 25th March 2026 For more information, or to apply with your CV and covering letter, please email the Estate Director, Oliver Hauxwell: . Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call Oliver on . You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.