Estate Manager

Estate Manager

About the Role

Based at Honeysuckle Farm (Newton Abbot) but with travel to all sites, this role is 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Salary: F.6 £36,609 per annum, including a company vehicle with a paid fuel card.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on equine welfare and conservation? As Estate Manager at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, you’ll oversee the management of our landholdings, ensuring they provide a safe, efficient, and biodiverse environment for our horses, ponies, and local wildlife.

This is more than just land management – it’s about leading a team, driving biodiversity projects, and ensuring our sites meet the highest standards. Your work will directly support equine wellbeing and the sanctuary’s long-term sustainability.

Join us and be part of something meaningful!

About The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is the largest equine welfare charity in the South West peninsula, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of horses and ponies who have suffered neglect, abuse, and trauma. We also deliver a range of Equine Assisted Services with our rescued horses and ponies. With five sites across Devon, a clear five-year strategy, and ambitious plans for the future, now is the perfect time to join our team.

What You Will Be Doing

Land and Estate Management

  • Develop and implement long-term land management plans to enhance biodiversity and support equine welfare.
  • Oversee planned and reactive maintenance across all sanctuary sites.
  • Lead habitat enhancement projects, ensuring compliance with funding agreements.

Health and Safety Compliance

  • Ensure all estate management activities meet health and safety regulations.
  • Oversee contractor compliance and risk assessments.
  • Maintain accurate records using the Shire Systems software.

Financial and Procurement Management

  • Manage the estate budget efficiently, ensuring best value procurement.
  • Obtain competitive quotes for contracted works and oversee invoicing processes.

Team Leadership and Development

  • Lead the Estate Ranger Team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
  • Provide training and development opportunities.
  • Manage performance and ensure high standards are maintained.

Collaboration and Communication

  • Work closely with other departments to ensure smooth estate operations.
  • Provide estates-related expertise across the sanctuary.

What You’ll Bring:

Essential Skills and Qualifications

  • Industry qualification in rural estate management.
  • Strong site safety and risk management knowledge (NEBOSH or IOSH desirable).
  • Proven experience in estate management, contractor oversight, and biodiversity enhancement.
  • Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and IT skills.
  • Full UK driving licence.

Why Join Us?

✅ Generous Holidays – 30 days (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
⏳ Flexible Working – We strive to accommodate your preferred hours where possible.
? Learning & Development – Tailored training through our Learning Management System (LMS).
? Exclusive Discounts – Charity Workers Discount Scheme and savings at local attractions.
? Wellbeing Support – Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), prescription reimbursements, and wellness initiatives.

If you’re passionate about land management, biodiversity, and making a tangible impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Please apply with CV and cover letter by 14th March.  Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 17th March.

Please note that this role is subject to a DBS check, and you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK.

Vacancies Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form

Please download the documents below and attach them when submitting your application form.

Application form Equal opportunities monitoring form

Apply Here

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Explore Further

Visit Our Sanctuary

Connect with our rescued horses and ponies, hear their back stories and meet the knowledgeable grooms who care for them.
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Get Some Advice

We provide advice and support to horse owners or people who are thinking about getting a horse or pony. We also offer support to smaller equine welfare sanctuaries and other equine professionals.
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Support the Charity

We rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts to carry out our work. A donation today can help to sustain our ability to offer sanctuary for horses and ponies.
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