Estates Director

F & A George Ltd are seeking a new Estates Director as part of a planned succession.

This is a rare and exciting in house opportunity to manage three sporting and agricultural estates in Northamptonshire, County Durham and Suffolk. All three sites have a commitment to consistent improvement over the long term. This focus manifests itself through improving property and physical infrastructure, a commitment to wildlife and improving ecosystems, as well as maintaining good relationships with all stakeholders within our local communities.

The Estate Office is based in Northamptonshire, however a regular degree of travel to the other sites is a facet of the role.,

• Lead, manage and motivate the Estates staff team including the effective management of their performance, conduct, capabilities, staff training and development.


• Manage the farm contractor and ensure maximum value is realised from the farming operations.


• Protect the value of the company holdings by proactively and reactively managing anything which might cause detriment to that value, such as rights of way, encroachment, wayleaves.


• Management of stewardship schemes and other grants.


• Maintain systems that allow the estate to be measured and monitored (e.g. land database, mapping software, buildings and lettings database)


• Create a baseline for the environmental footprint of the holdings, and propose projects to improve both flora and fauna, resulting in biodiversity net gains, lower carbon impact, and increased sustainability.


• Working with Savills, where appropriate, produce an annual repairs and maintenance plan for all estate properties and ensure maximum value is obtained in terms of property asset values and lettings.


• Working with Lockhart Garratt, where appropriate, oversee the forestry management plan and ongoing maintenance programme.


• Assist with the marketing of let days and oversee all shooting operations across the estates.


• General management of the estates including in particular the gardens, cattle, lake, walling, roads and tracks.


• Engage with members of the public, adjoining landowners and other stakeholders to resolve estate management issues and disputes.


• Ensure all record keeping relating to estate matters is robust and efficient, and compliant with all relevant legislation such as data protection, and contractual obligations where these exist.


• Ensure all appropriate health and safety risk assessment, inspections, and tests are undertaken and ensure all necessary action is taken to eliminate/control risk.


• Take responsibility for the annual plans and budgets for the Estates. Working with the finance team at the Group's head office in Wellingborough, ensure the allocation of costs and staff time is accurate and enables the production of accurate financial records.


• Take a lead role in identified property redevelopment projects, of which there are several over the medium term.


• Take a lead role in any land or property opportunities that may present themselves.
  
  The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:


• A good value set.


• Energy and a proactive approach.


• A wide degree of relevant experience, reflecting the broad nature of the role's demands. Whilst specialist resource is utilised to assist the Estate Director where necessary, a broad skill set is consistent with this in house role.


• Good commercial experience and a focus on running the Estates through this vein. Accordingly, candidates with a business background should be encouraged as much as those with a more traditional land management and surveying skills.


• The ability to lead, manage, and develop small teams of co -workers effectively.


• A commitment to excellence and a determination to achieve agreed objectives for each holding.


• An ability to master detail.