Thoresby Farming are seeking a highly motivated professional for a Head of Farming role.
The Organisation
Thoresby Estate, situated in the heart of Sherwood Forest in North Nottinghamshire, has been owned by the Pierrepont family since 1601 and is currently overseen by Gregor Pierrepont. The estate boasts a diverse portfolio of activities, including farming, property rentals, public attractions, forestry, and country sports, reflecting its rich heritage and commitment to sustainable rural enterprise.
Thoresby Farming plays a central role in the estate’s operations farming 2,900 hectares (7,200 acres) of which 2,200ha is arable land, with the remaining 700ha used as grazing for the ‘heritage’ livestock. They collectively grow 550 hectares of high-quality root crops which are central to the success of Thoresby Farming.
The Role
Reporting to the owner and taking full P&L ownership, the Head of Farming will be responsible for the strategic and operational planning, organisation, supervision and administration of all activities for Thoresby Farming. This role sits as part of the senior leadership team and will foster and encourage the “One Thoresby” principle.
Leading an established full time team of 13 staff plus contractors, the Head of Farming will oversee a diverse combinable crop rotation that includes cereals, energy crops and a significant diverse root crop business including potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Not only will the role be focused on driving effective production of high-quality produce that is fit for UK supermarkets, the Head of Farming will also be involved in leading vital negotiations across the supply chain including securing suitable land as well as commercial contracts with leading packers with the overall objective of maximising yield, quality and profit.
Additionally, the Head of Farming will be responsible for managing grazing land, carefully integrating livestock to support the restoration and enhancement of ancient woodland habitats.
The Candidate
We are seeking a highly motivated farming professional with the growing expertise and leadership skills to inspire and develop a team, who will relish the opportunity to take responsibility for the farming enterprise.
Candidates will have a proven track record of successfully managing complex root crop production, demonstrate expertise in water management and have the capability to work across a dynamic and entrepreneurial estate.
BASIS or FACTS would be desirable, and candidates with an understanding of agronomic and operational best practices in root crops would also be advantageous. The ideal candidate might be managing a farming operation of comparable scale in root crop production or will currently hold a supporting role with the potential to step confidently into a leadership position.
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