Summary:
We’re looking for a Senior Farm Manager to manage our livestock based in the western part of the South Downs and lead the strategic planning and advise on livestock operations across the South Downs. This is a unique opportunity to combine your passion for farming, conservation, and people, ensuring our landscapes thrive for nature and visitors alike.
National Trust Official Reference:
IRC168890 - Senior Farm Manager
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)
Midhurst
£34,437 pa
Proposed interview date: 9th April 2026 (this date will be brought forward for redeployee applicants who are shortlisted).
What it's like to work here:
You'll be part of the Restore Nature Leadership Team reporting directly to the Restore Nature Delivery Manager, alongside the Lead Rangers, Wildlife Manager, Head Forester and Ecologist. You'll have one Farm Worker reporting directly to you and you’ll be based at Pound Common Farm, just outside Midhurst.
What you'll be doing:
As Senior Farm Manager, you’ll take the lead on strategic farm and livestock management, ensuring grazing plans deliver healthy, natural environments that support conservation goals. You’ll manage your team, staff and volunteers and work closely with the South Downs West countryside team, creating a culture of safety, collaboration, and excellence.
Building strong partnerships with neighbours, landowners, and conservation organisations will be central to your role, enabling you to deliver landscape-scale projects that benefit nature and people.
You’ll oversee day to day compliance with animal welfare, health and safety, and environmental regulations, while managing budgets and resources effectively to achieve operational targets. Alongside this, you’ll identify opportunities for innovation and income generation, and play a key role in enhancing visitor experiences by promoting understanding of farming and conservation through engaging programmes and communications.
Who we're looking for:
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
Knowledge of strategic farm and livestock management
Experience in leadership and team development
Knowledge of financial and resource management
Understanding of risk, compliance, and safety standards
Ability to engage stakeholders and build partnerships
Experience of public engagement and delivering visitor experiences
Criteria for all other applicants:
Significant practical experience in farm and livestock management
Knowledge of conservation grazing, agri-environment schemes, and cross-compliance obligations
Strong leadership and coaching skills to inspire and develop your team
Understanding of risk, compliance, and safety standards
Excellent communication skills to engage with visitors, partners, and stakeholders
Experience in financial and resource management, alongside project delivery
Competence with farm machinery
The Package:
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places
National Trust - Full Address for the role:
Pound Common Farm, Woolbeding, near Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0QB
Requirements:
Compliance - Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional Information:
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we'll support you as best as we can.
Equal Opportunities Statement:
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination.
Safeguarding Statement:
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
*** This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract ***
*As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, we do require that ALL applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification which is relevant and necessary for the job that you are applying for.*
