Agriculture Estate Manager (FLS)

We’re looking for an Agriculture Estate Manager to join our Estate Development team within the Commercial Development Directorate. This national role is based in Edinburgh or Inverness, with flexibility to be based at another Forestry and Land Scotland office by agreement and travel throughout Scotland as part of the role.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages around 9% of Scotland’s land area, playing a vital role in the country’s environmental, social and economic wellbeing. Alongside forestry, approximately 25,000 hectares of Scotland’s national forests and land are managed for agriculture through a diverse portfolio of agricultural tenancies and agreements. As we deliver our Agriculture Programme, we are seeking an experienced agricultural professional to help shape the future of agricultural land management across the national estate.

As an Agriculture Estate Manager, you will play a leading role in further developing, implementing and managing FLS’s Agriculture Programme. Working within the national Estate Development team, you will coordinate the delivery of strategic agricultural objectives, oversee agricultural asset and agreement management delivered regionally, manage programme budgets and support the development of long-term asset management plans for equipped farms. You will also act as the organisation’s agriculture specialist, providing expert advice across FLS and working with colleagues across various functions including planning and environment, managing key stakeholder relationships and representing FLS with external partners including Scottish Government and industry groups.

To be successful, you’ll bring substantial agricultural knowledge and experience, together with a strong understanding of agricultural agreements, asset management and the application of agricultural and land reform legislation in Scotland. You’ll have experience managing budgets, developing effective landlord and tenant relationships, and engaging confidently with a wide range of stakeholders. Strong communication, influencing and negotiation skills are essential, along with the ability to think strategically and deliver outcomes through collaboration. A degree (or equivalent) in agriculture or a related subject, or equivalent relevant experience, is required. Experience of programme or project management, integrated land management, farm asset planning, GIS systems or relevant professional membership would be advantageous.

Please click here to view the full list of benefits of working for us.

If this sounds like a role you’re interested in, we’d encourage you to apply with your CV and covering letter. Please ensure you provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the attached job description and success profile document.