Estate Director/Manager/Factor

Estate Director/Manager/Factor

West Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Competitive Salary + Accommodation

Overview

Exclusively retained by our client, a prestigious 30,000-acre estate in the West Highland and Islands Region of Scotland, we seek an Estate Director/Manager/Factor to oversee all operations. This estate offers luxury hospitality, catering to parties of up to 20 guests in the main lodge, and provides a unique array of other accommodation facilities and supporting outdoor activities, including fishing, stalking, sea boat trips, wildlife watching, and more. The role involves leadership of a high-season team of 30 people and ensuring the smooth running and financial success of the estate.

Key Responsibilities of the Incumbent

General Estate Management:

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the estate, ensuring smooth coordination across all functions.
• Oversee guest services and ensure the highest levels of hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Liaise with the owner and act as his representative to all guests.

Leadership & Human Resources:

• Lead and manage a team of over 30 seasonal staff, including recruitment, training, performance management, and staff development.
• Ensure all HR policies and procedures are adhered to, fostering a positive and inclusive working environment.

Guest Experience & Hospitality:

• Personally engage with guests, ensuring their needs are met, and their experience is exceptional.
• Oversee all aspects of accommodation, including the 12-bedroom house, cottages, and pods, ensuring they are maintained and presented to the highest standards.

Sporting Activities:

• Coordinate all sporting and outdoor activities, including fishing, stalking and other shooting activities, sea boat trips, and wildlife watching.
• Ensure all activities are run safely, legally, and in line with guest expectations.

Health & Safety Compliance:

• Ensure that all health and safety regulations are fully adhered to across the estate.
• Regularly assess risks and implement safety protocols across all operations, including guest activities, accommodation, and facilities.

Food and Hygiene Safety:

• Ensure all food is prepared, stored, and served in accordance with food safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of food preparation areas, equipment, and utensils.
• Enforce best hygiene practices across all food outlets.
• Ensure proper waste disposal and cleaning schedules are followed.

Commercial & Financial Management:

• Oversee the financial performance of the estate, ensuring that all operations are commercially viable and profitable.
• Work with the finance team to set and manage budgets, control costs, and maximise revenue opportunities.

Facilities & Building Management:

• Manage the maintenance and upkeep of all estate buildings and facilities, ensuring they remain in top condition.
• Oversee the estate’s hydro plant, farm shop, restaurant, and hatchery, ensuring all facilities are operational and meet legal and safety standards.

Legal & Compliance Responsibilities:

• Ensure the estate is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including land management, hospitality, sporting, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of any changes in legislation affecting the estate’s operations.

Requirements of the Person:

• The instinct, experience, gravitas, and persona to manage a large, high-end estate and hospitality operation.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a hands-on approach to operations.
• Excellent guest-facing skills with a focus on delivering exceptional service.
• Strong understanding of commercial, financial, and budget management.
• Knowledge of rural estate activities such as fishing, stalking, and wildlife management.
• Experience in facilities and building management, including health and safety compliance.
• Familiarity with legal responsibilities related to estate management, land use, and hospitality.

Desirable Attributes:

• Knowledge of the Highland region, local wildlife, and environmental conservation.
• Experience with renewable energy operations (e.g., hydroelectric plants).
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills.

This is a unique opportunity to take full responsibility for managing a significant Highland estate, offering a blend of luxury hospitality, outdoor activities, and environmental stewardship.

Initial expressions of interest must take the form of an up-to-date CV and a brief, informal, covering e-mail expanding on why the position is of interest.