North East Farm Business Support Service Manager

North East Farm Business Support Service Manager

£41,771 - £46,142 per annum| Fixed Term (3 years) | Full Time

We’relooking for an experienced,motivated and collaborativeleader to take on the role of Service Manager for the
North East Farm Business Support Service
, an exciting regional programme supporting farm businesses and rural communities across the North East.

Working within our Park Management Directorate,you’llprovide strategic leadership for the service on behalf of Northumberland National Park Authority and key regional partners.

You’llmanage a small project team, oversee programme delivery and budgets, and act as a key ambassador for the project locally,regionallyand nationally.

This is a high-profile role offering the opportunity to shape andshowcaseinnovative support for farming, landmanagementand rural enterprise during a period of significant changefor the sector.

• Leading the strategic development and delivery of the North East Farm Business Support Service
• Managing and supporting asmall team, fostering a positive,collaborative and high-performing culture
• Working closely with delivery partners including Northumberland County Council, Durham County Council, Gateshead Council and the North East Combined Authority
• Holding overall responsibility for budget management, claims,reporting and programme governance
• Promoting andshowcasingthe programme internally and externally, including engagement with land managers, education providers, food and drink initiatives and theagri-tech sector
• Leading monitoring, evaluation and reporting to funding bodies and partner organisations
• Preparing and presenting reports to ensure effective governance,compliance and accountability

You’llbring a strong mix of strategic thinking, partnership working and practical delivery experience, along with a genuine understanding of farming and rural economies.

We’relooking for someone who has:

• Degree-level education in a land-based or project management discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Strong knowledge of farm businesses and the policy landscape affecting farming and rural communities
• Proven experience of managing people,project sand budgets, ideally within grant-funded programmes
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with landowners,partners and senior stakeholders
• Experience of collaborative partnership working and externally delivered contracts
• The ability to lead independently, build relationships and engage stakeholders early and effectively
• Be part of a forward-thinking National Park Authority with strong values and a collaborative culture
• Play a key role in shaping the future of farming and rural enterprise in the North East
• Flexible hybrid working and the chance to work across one of the UK’s most inspiring landscapes
• Work on a flagship regional programme with real impact for farm businesses and communities

If this role sounds likeit’sfor you, then we really would like to hear from you.

The Park Authority is an inclusive organisation,and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability,ageand social class.

Ifyou are an applicant with disabilities who meets the essential requirements of the post, we will interview you.

For more information, please see ourjob packavailable on our website.

The application form is here:

Application Form – Fill in form

Post:
North East Farm Business Support Service Manager

Directorate:
Park Management

Responsible to:
Head of Farming and Rural Enterprise

Responsible for:
Project team with 4 team members

Grade:
Band6

Term: 1

FTE Fixed Term Contract from 1stApril
2026through to 31stMarch 2029.

Workbase:
Basedfromour offices in Rothburyor Hexham including travel within the North East region. Hybrid work from home options also available.

This post will report to Head of Farming and Rural Enterprise and willbe responsible forthe following main tasks:

• Strategic and deliverylead forthe North East…