Shuttleworth Estate

The Shuttleworth Estate, Bedfordshire, has been in the ownership of the Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth Remembrance Trust since 1944, and before that in the ownership of the Shuttleworth and Ongley families since 1627.

The ROSR Trusts objectives are "The promotion of education and training in the science and practise and history of aviation and automotive transport and the promotion of education and training in the science and practise of agriculture." These conditions are satisfied by Shuttleworth College, run by the Bedford College Group and the Shuttleworth Collection of vintage aircraft and motor vehicles which is run by the Visitor Attraction Group within the trust. The property portfolio and wider estate is managed to provide financial income to support the objectives.

The Estate is multifaceted, with residential and commercial lettings, a mix of farm tenancies totalling 3000 acres and over 750 acres of woodland. The property portfolio consists of 80 cottages, many of which are listed, and 40 commercial units, the income of which together represent a significant proportion of the Estate's total turnover.

The trustees wish to continue the positive stewardship of the Estate, which will be achieved by ensuring its ability to deliver economic, social, and environmental value over the long term.

THE POSITION

The Estate Director is a member of the Senior Management Team which reports to the Board of Trustees. Each member of the SMT manages a small retained staff backed up by a significant team of volunteers.

The key objectives will be:

• To ensure the Estate's natural and built assets are managed and developed to safeguard a sustainable future for the portfolio as a whole.

• To identify, develop and nurture new income streams, thereby underpinning the trustees desire to support the ROSRTs objectives that delivers economic, social and environmental value.

• To effectively manage and enhance a diverse range of relationships including the staff, trustees, legal and financial advisers, planners and local government.

• Balancing the management of strategic land opportunities, either residential or commercial, and lead projects with additional consultancy advice as and when required.

• Balancing the management of existing assets with development of future ones.

THE CANDIDATE

The Trustees are seeking a highly motivated and commercially minded individual with property management expertise and a good understanding of the development process. He/she will have a good understanding of estate management practices, a proven track record in managing a team and delivering commercial results within a diverse rural business, and have an ambassadorial mind-set, capable of managing a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

The suitable individual will be:

• Ideally RICS Qualified with several years of experience and a track record of demonstrable achievement in commercial and rural property management including development and strategic land.

• An excellent communicator with a people-focus and a developed sense of empathy accompanied by natural diplomacy and common sense.

• Able to demonstrate a strong commercial awareness and proven ability to successfully lead teams in the delivery of enterprise objectives, especially in rural and commercial property.

• A confident and personable individual with the necessary gravitas and communication skills to present at board level and influence decision-making at the most senior levels, yet willing to roll-up their sleeves to support colleagues to achieve the optimum results.

• Maturity to balance the urgency and pace of the business with the key objectives and the need for measured and informed decisions.

• Interested in the countryside, community affairs and able to demonstrate developed relationships.

• Knowledgeable about the issues around sustainability and biodiversity both in property and agriculture.

• A determined but modest leader with a collegiate approach, who inherently cares about supporting a positive and enjoyable working environment.

• Ambitious and motivated. Possessing the appetite and intellectual agility to master the complexities of the business, with excellent attention to detail, and the ability to focus upon strategic and micro issues, as required.

• Able to demonstrate an attention to detail especially an understanding of compliance requirements.

• Not looking for a '9-5' role, happy and able to demonstrate a commitment that goes beyond this.

• Able to operate with a high degree of autonomy and self-motivation.

An excellent package will be offered in keeping with an outstanding, entrepreneurial and innovative individual, including quality housing on the Estate, car allowance and pension contribution.

TO APPLY

If you are interested in applying for this role, or if you wish to discuss the position in confidence, please email your CV with full salary details to or for further information, please contact Charlie Holroyde on

Mulberry Executive Search Ltd have been retained to manage this assignment.