Farm Manager

Job Description

Oatridge Farm, nr Broxburn, West Lothian

£47,376 – £54,746 per annum

Reference: CML/FARM/028/24

Closing date: 1 December 2024

SRUC manages six farms, of over 4400 hectares, providing research, education and knowledge transfer in dairying, arable, beef, upland/hill sheep systems, pig and poultry farming. This role is based at Oatridge Farm in West Lothian which provides an academic support unit for our Oatridge Campus and wider consultancy and research teams.

In this role you will be accountable for the successful operation of Oatridge Farm. You will be an advocate for SRUC farms both internally and externally and will manage relationships between SRUC farms and external agencies and partnerships.

Tied accommodation may be available with this role subject to conditions of our tied accommodation policy.

In this role, your duties will include:

• Managing the operational farm staff at Oatridge Farm whilst maintaining on the ground delivery of high-quality animal welfare and timeous crop management.
• Managing procurement is in line with SRUC policies and Scottish Government guidelines.
• Hosting visiting groups and students.
• Using farm-based data to make important management decisions e.g. conception rates as part artificial insemination programmes. This includes physical and financial decision making to ensure resources are available in a timeous manner e.g. feed, fertiliser, fencing materials.
• Being actively engaged in physical work along with on-site farm staff and being aware of the challenges and opportunities that staff are experiencing daily.
• Responsibility for the upskilling (formal training, informal mentorship) of farm staff.
• Updating budgets on a monthly basis.
• Responsibility for the Health and safety including welfare of animals and people on the site, this will include articulation of the risk assessments in place, supervision staff and students on site to maintain the highest possible animal health and human safety standards.
• Responsibility for providing a high standard of support for ad-hoc teaching and research.
• Tied accommodation may be available with this role subject to conditions of our tied accommodation policies.

This is a working academic farm-based role. Further details of the requirements of the role can be found in the Job Particulars document.

Minimum qualifications and experience:

• Educated to at least SCQF Level 8 or. HND Level in a relevant subject or equivalent experience
• Proven farm management experience and knowledge is essential including the management of people and other resources.
• Able to demonstrate good knowledge or practical experience of the agricultural and farming industry including farm budget management. Awareness of Zoonotic potential of handling livestock waste.
• An understanding and awareness of COSHH regulations particularly dust and chemical handling.
• Driving license is essential as travel to remote areas not covered by public transport is a feature of this role
• Farm machinery experience / certification where required e.g. trailer, tractor and forklift certification.
• Experience of using a range of modern farm equipment.
• Effective use of IT, Team Player, Analytical thinking, self-motivated, project management.
• Ability to interrogate data systems to ensure SRUC farms remain compliant, and within fiscal boundaries and principles.
• Good interpersonal skills and willingness to share experiences and develop relationships at all levels

Admin ref: CML/FARM/028/24

Eligibility for Sponsorship:

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker you will need to ensure you have appropriate qualifications, skills, experience and meet all the appropriate criteria necessary for sponsorship.

Salary and benefits?

• Up to £54,746 per annum depending on experience.
• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions to contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• We encourage Continuing Professional Development with a tailored investment in an individuals’ learning and development

How to Apply:

Please complete an online application form at:

Full details can be found in the Job Particulars document downloadable from the link above.

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046.