Rural Estate Project Lead

About the Role

The Bedfordia Group brings together property, farming and environmental stewardship across a diverse rural estate, including almost 4,900 acres of predominantly arable farmland. Working with trusted partners, we are shaping the future of the estate through responsible land management, sustainable agriculture and environmental improvement.

As Rural Estate Project Lead, you will be at the heart of implementing our estate management strategy, combining day-to-day estate administration with the coordination and delivery of a wide range of rural estate projects. Working closely with the Environmental Advisor, CFA partner Velcourt, tenants, contractors and internal teams, you will help ensure our land, buildings, environmental assets and estate records are managed safely, efficiently and sustainably.

We are looking for a proactive and well-organised rural estate specialist who can take ownership of allocated projects, act as the key point of contact, and support improvements across the estate while ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and in line with our wider estate objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in farming, environmental land management, rural property, estate administration or countryside management who is looking to develop their career in a varied rural estate role. You will be practical, self-motivated and detail-focused, with the confidence to take ownership of projects, coordinate site visits, maintain accurate records and communicate effectively across a diverse estate portfolio.

Your key responsibilities will include

Taking ownership of allocated rural estate projects, acting as the main point of contact for coordination, updates, actions and follow-up through to completion. Supporting the day-to-day coordination of the rural estate, farm and agricultural property portfolio, maintaining accurate estate records, plans, registers, dashboards and property information. Assisting with site inspections, tenant liaison, contractor coordination and follow-up actions. Producing reporting, briefing notes and updates for internal teams and senior stakeholders. Helping to monitor maintenance, small works, contractor progress, risk actions, H & S, CDM and compliance. Assisting with rural grant funding, agri-environment schemes and environmental projects. Supporting biodiversity, habitat, water, soils, natural capital and sustainable farming initiatives. Coordinating documentation for tenancies, licences, wayleaves, easements and other agreements. Liaising professionally with tenants, contractors, farming partners, advisers and colleagues. Keeping records and activities up to date in line with legislation, health and safety requirements and internal procedures. Mapping We're looking for the following skills and experience

Essential

Proven experience in farming, environmental land management, countryside management, rural estate administration, property support or a related field. A self-starter with strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records. Good communication skills with the confidence to liaise with tenants, contractors, colleagues and external partners. Ability to lead and support projects, track actions, monitor deadlines and help coordinate budgets, programmes and contractor activity. Working awareness of UK countryside, farming and environmental issues, including habitats, water, soils, pollution prevention or agri-environment schemes. Comfortable using Microsoft Office and digital systems, including spreadsheets, registers and shared records. Practical, collaborative and values-led approach with a willingness to learn and get involved across a varied rural estate portfolio. Full UK driving licence. The capacity to undertake farm-wide inspections and move between different areas of the site as part of regular duties.

Desirable

Relevant qualification or training in environmental management, ecology, countryside management, rural surveying, agriculture, forestry, asset management or a related subject. Familiarity with biodiversity net gain, natural capital, long-term management agreements or environmental monitoring. Experience using digital mapping tools or rural estate software, including farming, financial or asset management systems. Awareness of contractor health and safety requirements, with IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent training desirable. Experience supporting rural grant funding, Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Land Management schemes or other government-funded initiatives. Knowledge of Bedfordshire and the surrounding rural environment. Comfortable promoting the estate and leading tours and visits.

What We Offer

Competitive salary (dependent on experience) and benefits package. Flexible working arrangements.