Farm business manager jd

Job Title:

Farm Business Manager

Location:

Old Plaw Hatch Farm

Reporting to:

Board of Directors

Department:

Finance & Administration

Hours:

24/week

Salary:

£21,000 (£32,813 pro rata)

The finance and administration department provides the support function to the five enterprises of Old Plaw Hatch Farm Limited. The role of the Farm Business Manager is key to the business and combines supervising the administration team as well as coordination of the finances of the business. This important role produces and provides information and advice for sound decisionmaking as part of the Management Team. The appointment would be with a view of becoming one of the farm directors in time.

Fundamental to the role is the need to strive for improvement in embodying the values around safeguarding the sustainability of the farm in terms of land, animals, people and finances.

This is achieved through an open, inclusive and collaborative approach.

Key Responsibilities 1.

Financial Management and Reporting       

2.

Prepare and interpret financial reports for the management team and provide information for sound decision-making.

Collate, analyse and advise on budgets, forecasts, tax and regulatory issues.

Liaise with external accountants.

Maintain adherence to financial regulations and legislation.

Monitor finances and identify areas for improvement.

Liaise with and provide information for stakeholders.

Work with enterprise managers to identify areas for improvement and assist where necessary on implementing new processes.

Operational Support



Perform and oversee the day to day financial operations including payroll, invoicing, purchasing, banking etc.

          3.

Maintain office supplies and IT system.

Respond to incoming emails and phone calls.

Negotiate contracts for utilities, insurance, waste management etc.

Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory bodies.

Oversee the designing and printing of promotional materials such as leaflets and the enewsletter.

Provide information to assist enterprises.

Assist with grant applications.

Attend regular team meetings.

Promote and maintain awareness and compliance of health and safety in accordance with best practice, company policies and procedures and legal requirements.

Work with sensitive information with strict confidentiality.

Staff Management



4.

Supervise the office staff which currently comprises of a part time bookkeeper and a part time administration assistant.

Ad hoc



Undertake any other tasks as required for the post, ensuring all duties undertaken are done so in accordance with Old Plaw Hatch Farm’s values, policies and procedures.

Key Skills/Qualities 1.

Leadership  

2.

The Farm Business Manager will contribute to strategic planning with the management team with a proactive approach that motivates and engages people to strive to improve and embody the values.

The post-holder will aim to achieve results through leading by example, inspiration and influence.

Sharing Our Values



Although the role is office-based, it requires a sound understanding of – and an interest in – the practicalities of producing and selling food and a love for nature which is at the core of Old Plaw Hatch Farm. Sharing our values and striving to embody them is essential.



The person who fulfils this role will be ethically driven and able to look at strategy in financial and other terms, and use measures of success that include the sustainability of the farm through the well-being of the land, animals and people as well as financial viability.

3.

Communication 

The Farm Business Manager will develop an understanding of the different enterprises.

The post holder will work with them in a supporting capacity and monitor the finances and seek areas for development.



The Farm Business Manager is part of the Management Team and will therefore attend meetings, share information and contribute to decision-making.



Old Plaw Hatch Farm operates within a community that lives/works on the farm and a wider community engaged with the farm. This requires working with honesty, integrity, humility and an appreciation for the needs and views of diverse groups of individuals.



Those who work on the farm are visible in the context of the wider community, requiring a friendly demeanour and building good relationships with stakeholders.



The office is the hub where information is gathered and disseminated and there is a need to communicate proactively and work in a collaborative way that focuses on gaining agreement and cooperation.

4.

Financial 

The post-holder will have proven financial experience and a deep understanding of business. The role requires sound capability in interpreting financial data and identifying trends and issues as early as possible.



Working within the context of a farm, the Farm Business Manager will be able to relate financial information to practical processes and solutions and communicate their interpretation effectively with the Management Team.

5.

Administrative Skills 

6.

The Administration Department provides the underlying infrastructure that enables the various enterprises of the farm to run smoothly, managing many of the background operations that are required for the farm as a whole. The Farm Business Manager will have good administrative and organisational skills, keen attention to detail, and will be proficient in using computers, including the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with using QuickBooks would also be an advantage.

Uphold Legality



The Farm Business Manager will have a commitment to meeting the appropriate regulatory requirements regarding the activities of running the farm.

Factor Qualifications  GCSE Maths or equivalent  GCSE English or equivalent  Business Qualification Experience  Financial/Business  Microsoft Office Suite  QuickBooks  Use of office systems and administration including email  Preparation and interpretation of financial reports  Analysis and advise on budgets, forecasts, tax and regulatory issues  Worked in similar environment (Agriculture/Retail) Knowledge  Knowledge of computerised data entry and relevant software  Payroll, invoicing, purchasing, banking  Finance administration  Knowledge of clerical and administrative general office procedures and systems, including filing and record keeping  Knowledge of importance of producing high quality work and performance in an office/administrative environment Skills & Abilities  Numeracy skills  Computer skills  Literacy skills  Communication skills, both written and verbal  Time management, planning and organising  Problem assessment and problem solving for effective customer query resolution  Flexibility and adaptability to deal with matters as they arise  Attention to detail  Teamwork with ability to work on own using initiative

Personal Qualities  Approachable  Organised  Motivated  Team player  Collaborative  Self Starter  Remains Calm under Pressure

Essential

Desirable

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