Estate Director

Having undergone a significant transformation in the past decade, Farncombe has evolved into a leading hospitality and lifestyle destination. Now they are seeking a hands-on, strategic Estate Director to take the reins and help shape the estate's future.

This is a high-trust role with operational breadth and strategic depth. You'll work closely with the Managing Director (your direct report), sit on the Senior Leadership Team, and liaise with the family office, Skagen Conscience Capital. Your job: to bring cohesion, structure and direction to the many moving parts of a vibrant rural estate.

Farncombe is a privately held, family estate run with intention, integrity and heart. The culture is deeply values-driven, entrepreneurial and environmentally conscious.

The Estate are looking for an experienced, grounded professional who thrives in a generalist role. You'll be out and about most of the day, moving from a woodland site visit to a sustainability meeting, from reviewing a property development proposal to checking in with a tenant. This is not a desk job. It's a pivotal leadership role that demands energy, people-skills, judgement, and a wide-ranging understanding of estate matters.

What We're Looking For

Farncombe are looking for an exceptional all-rounder - someone with practical experience, professional judgement, and genuine enthusiasm for rural estate life.

Essential Attributes

Demonstrable experience in estate, land, property or rural business management - likely as an Estate Manager, Head of Estates, Rural Surveyor, Land Agent, or similar.

• A hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up style.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• High emotional intelligence and excellent communication abilities.
• Commercial acumen and budgetary experience.
• A collaborative mindset and comfort operating in a values-led, family-owned environment.

Desirable

• MRICS or equivalent professional qualification.
• Degree in Rural Land Management, Estate Management or similar.
• Experience working within or alongside hospitality-led rural estates.
• A strong grasp of compliance and sustainability-related legislation.
• Knowledge of grant funding streams for environmental projects.

Working at Farncombe

This is a place where people enjoy their work. The culture is warm, open and professional - never starchy. You'll be joining a close-knit SLT who support one another and love what they do.

Working hours: Typically 7am-4:30pm, 5 days a week on-site. Flexibility for occasional one-off remote working. Due to the scope of the role and responsibilities included, it is anticipated that the successful candidate will live within one hour of the Estate, or be willing to relocate closer.

Team size: 22 (Full time and Part time) estate and maintenance professionals.

Benefits include:

• Holiday allowance starting at 30 days inc Bank Holidays
• Private health insurance
• 5% pension contribution (salary sacrifice scheme with NI benefit)
• EV salary sacrifice scheme
• Discretionary bonus (bonus structure currently under review)

Interview Process

• Initial screening call with Farncombe's recruitment partner, MorePeople
• Initial screening call with the Estates' HR Director
• 1st stage in-person interview on-site, likely to include a presentation
• 2nd stage in-person meeting (if needed), including time with the HRD, MD and FD
• Informal meeting with the family - relaxed, just a chat over tea

Next steps would be to give me a call on or email . Or click apply now.