Farm Manager

Farm ManagerLocation: Leeds
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Temporary
Pay Rate: £17.41 per hour (PAYE) | £20.18 per hour (Ltd Umbrella – inc Holiday Pay)

Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in Yorkshire for an experienced Farm Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of Home Farm, Temple Newsam — a working, visitor-focused rare breed farm set within a unique historic estate.
This is a senior, hands-on management role combining livestock welfare, land management, staff leadership, education support, and visitor engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the overall operation of Home Farm as part of the wider Temple Newsam Estate
• Lead all aspects of animal care and welfare, promoting minority, native, and rare breeds
• Oversee agricultural land management and fodder production in line with agri-environment schemes
• Deliver safe, engaging, and informative visitor experiences in collaboration with colleagues
• Manage and develop farm staff to ensure high standards of welfare, land management, and customer experience
• Support Further Education learning programmes on site, including work experience opportunities for students (currently Leeds City College – School of Land and Animal Science)
• Ensure full compliance with all government and statutory documentation, including BPS, HLS, ELMS, animal registration, and transport records
• Maintain strong working relationships with bodies such as the Rare Breeds Survival Trust
• Manage budgets, income, and expenditure with clear audit trails
• Support external audits and drive continuous improvement in farm performance
• Ensure procurement of goods and services complies with financial regulations and council policy
• Take responsibility for Health & Safety, equality, diversity, and safeguarding in line with Council policies

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Proven ability to manage complex workloads and prioritise competing demands
• Experience managing and motivating multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
• Good ICT skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases)
• Sound knowledge of current agricultural practice and legislation
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a wider management team
• Ability to access remote sites efficiently

Qualifications & Training

• Level 3 qualification in Agriculture (or equivalent experience) – essential
• Relevant degree – desirable but not essential
• Suitable period of relevant agricultural and farm management experience
• Licenses to operate relevant agricultural machinery

This is an excellent opportunity to manage a high-profile, heritage farm site while contributing to education, conservation, and public engagement through a Local Authority role.

For more details on this position or to apply, email Prakash at prakash.panchani@servicecare.org.uk or call 01772 208967.