GENERAL MANAGER – DIVERSIFIED FARM & FORESTRY OPERATIONS

Preston, Connecticut | Full-Time | On-Site

Salary: $85,000–$100,000

Preston Springs Farm LLC is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial General Manager to lead the development of a 325-acre farm and forest property in southeastern Connecticut.

This is not a caretaker position. We are looking for a hands-on business operator who can organize the property’s land, equipment and workforce into a disciplined, commercially successful operation.

The property includes pasture, forest and areas suitable for hay production and rotational grazing, together with tractors, skid steers, an excavator, forestry and firewood equipment, a small sawmill, UTVs and developing fencing infrastructure.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The General Manager will be responsible for day-to-day operations, budgeting, cost control, team leadership and the development of practical revenue-producing activities.

Potential opportunities include forestry, lumber, firewood, equipment-based services, hay, grazing and livestock. The successful candidate will evaluate these opportunities and recommend which should be prioritized based on market demand, operating requirements, margins and cash-flow potential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily farm, forestry and property operations

• Assess the land, equipment, workforce, operating costs and commercial opportunities

• Prepare and manage budgets, cash-flow forecasts and monthly financial reports

• Identify unnecessary expenses and underutilized assets

• Develop customers, sales channels and commercial relationships

• Manage employees, contractors, purchasing, inventory and work schedules

• Oversee equipment utilization, preventive maintenance and repair decisions

• Develop and implement a practical 12-month business plan

• Establish measurable operational and financial performance indicators

• Coordinate with outside veterinary, regulatory, environmental, accounting and legal specialists when necessary

• Provide concise weekly operational updates and monthly financial reports to the owner

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of relevant farm, ranch, forestry, land-management or agricultural operations experience

• Demonstrated responsibility for budgets, operating costs, revenue or profit

• Experience leading employees and contractors

• Practical knowledge of farm or forestry equipment and maintenance planning

• Ability to develop customers and commercial relationships

• Strong judgment, organization and financial discipline

• Valid driver’s license and authorization to work in the United States

• Ability and willingness to work on-site in Preston, Connecticut

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Managing a diversified farm or land-based business

• Forestry, sawmill, lumber or firewood operations

• Hay production, rotational grazing or livestock

• Direct-to-consumer, wholesale or service-based sales

• Farming or land management in New England

• Improving the financial performance of an underutilized or underperforming operation

FIRST 90 DAYS

The selected candidate will be expected to:

• Complete an operational, financial and asset assessment

• Identify immediate cost-control opportunities

• Recommend no more than three priority revenue activities

• Present a realistic 12-month operating and commercial plan

• Establish budgets, reporting systems and performance metrics

• Begin developing customers, contracts and sales opportunities

COMPENSATION AND PAID LEAVE

The base salary range is $85,000–$100,000, depending on experience and demonstrated results.

The employee will accrue 10 paid vacation days annually, available for use after completing the initial six-month employment period. Paid sick leave will be provided in accordance with Connecticut law.

Employer-sponsored health insurance and retirement benefits are not currently offered.

Performance and compensation will be formally reviewed after six months. Eligibility for a performance-based bonus may be considered based on verified operat