Senior (Lead) Rural Estate Manager

The Role

As Rural Estate Manager, you will work closely with the Authority Asset Manager and support the Head of Asset & Enterprise Services in delivering the Authority’s strategic objectives for its rural land and property portfolio. You will play a central role in shaping the long-term vision for the two Authority-owned Estates, contributing to the implementation of the National Park Management Plan and ensuring the Estates achieve best use and best value.

In this senior leadership role, you will oversee the Rural Department, manage significant budgets, and make key operational and strategic decisions. A core focus will be on developing and implementing Estate Management Plans that protect the natural environment, enhance the landscape, serve stakeholder needs, and ensure the financial sustainability of the Estates, all at a time when land use faces increasing pressures.

Our Estates

Warslow Moors Estate, Staffordshire Moorlands

The 5,000-acre Estate is steeped in industrial and agricultural history, formerly owned by the Harper-Crewe family of Calke Abbey. The Estate was historically a shooting Estate, with Warslow Hall acting as a sporting seat. It was acquired by the PDNPA in 1986 for conservation. The Estate consists of a varied mix of lease types, as you would expect for an Estate of its size and heritage.

Stanage - North Lees Estate, Hope Valley

Extending to over 500 ha (1,300+ acres) and host to the iconic North Lees Hall, a 16th-century Tower House, which inspired Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, the Grade II* listed Hall, Cruck Barn, Farmhouse and wider Estate are set against one of the most famous Peak District skylines – Stanage Edge. The Estate is set at the heart of one of the busiest areas of the National Park and alongside the heritage asset, the majority of the Estate is let to the resident farm tenant. The farm is managed in such a way as to complement nature conservation, with much of the Estate being designated SSSI, and to support a number of operational assets such as campsites, holiday cottages, and car parks.

About Us

The Peak District National Park was the first of Britain’s 15 national parks and is still enjoyed by millions, looking for both adventure and a breathing space to escape. It is also the most accessible due to its proximity to four major cities of the UK and its 38,000 residents. We recognise the importance of our national park, and our job is to speak up and care for the Peak District National Park for all to enjoy forever.

Benefits

We offer a range of staff benefits, including flexi-time, a high-quality, defined benefit pension scheme (2 years to the qualifying period), 26-31 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase more, volunteering leave, and free parking at most of our offices. Please check out our Total Reward Brochure to see what else we offer.

Flexible Working

We offer flexi-time and hybrid working (minimum 40% in the office/onsite). Other flexible working options will be considered for the right candidate.

Our Values

• Care – We care for the Peak District National Park, the people we work with and all those we serve. It’s at the heart of everything we do.
• Enjoy – We take pride in what we do and feel good about our contribution.
• Pioneer – We were born of pioneers. We will continue to explore opportunities to inspire future generations.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Peak District National Park Authority is committed to equal opportunities. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

You must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested before appointment.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Provisional interview date: w/c 23 Feb