Farm Manager

Farm Manager

Are you a purpose-driven leader with a passion for animal welfare and people?

Join a global leader in equine welfare, working every day to transform the lives of donkeys and the people who care for them.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role where your work will have a daily impact on the lives of animals and people alike. You will be part of a supportive and passionate team, committed to excellence, learning and continuous improvement.

Position: Farm Manager

Location: Bowd

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £42,665 - £47,406 depending upon qualifications, skills and experience

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 31 August 2025. However, we reserve the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found.

About the Role

The organisations vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life. Guided by it’s values, which include putting donkeys first, showing compassion, staying curious, doing the right thing, and working together as one, the team are committed to fostering a positive, safe, and supportive environment for donkeys and the people who care for them.

We are now seeking an inspiring and capable Farm Manager to lead the team at one of the sanctuary farms. Located in the beautiful East Devon countryside between Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary, and just a short distance from the Jurassic Coast, Woods Farm is a 220-acre site, home to over 440 donkeys, and plays a vital role in the UK sanctuary network. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and values-led leader to make a real difference by driving high standards in donkey care, building team performance, and nurturing a positive and inclusive culture.

As Farm Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operation of the farm. You will:

·       Lead a committed team to deliver the highest standards of donkey welfare, land management and operational excellence

·       Champion a culture of trust, wellbeing, learning and shared accountability across the team

·       Inspire and develop people, ensuring each team member has the opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to shared goals

·       Manage farm resources effectively, including staffing levels, budget, Land, facilities and equipment

·       Ensure robust compliance with Health & Safety standards, maintaining a safe environment for animals, staff, volunteers and visitors

·       Play an active role in wider organisational goals through collaboration, innovation and contribution to research projects

·       Represent the charity professionally, ensuring a welcoming and informative experience for all visitors

About You

You will bring a strong blend of practical farm knowledge and people-centred leadership. You will have:

·       A relevant qualification or substantial experience in animal care, equine or agricultural management

·       Knowledge and understanding of land management and the operation of farm vehicles and machinery

·       Proven leadership and people management experience, with the ability to inspire and sustain high performance

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a calm and professional approach

·       Strong planning and organisational abilities, with a proactive and solutions-focused mindset

·       A values-driven leadership style that reflects compassion, curiosity, integrity and collaboration

·       The ability to handle sensitive or complex situations with tact and discretion

As part of the process, you will be asked to upload your CV and Cover Letter once you click to apply.

Benefits include

·       Competitive pension.

·       Life assurance – 2 x annual salary.

·       Healthshield.

·       31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.

·       Wellbeing team.

·       Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.

·       Long service awards.

·       Healthshield plan

·       Free parking.

·       Subsidised restaurant and shop.

About the Organisation

The sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

You may also have experience in areas such as Farmer, Farm Manager, Farm Supervisor, Farm Deputy Manager, Tourism, Farm Attraction, Head Farmer. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation