Herd Manager

Herd Manager – 600-Cow Dairy Farm, Ashburton, Canterbury

Craig Group Ltd is seeking an experienced Herd Manager to join our team on a well-run ~600-cow variable order sharemilking operation at 676 Winchmore Lauriston Road, Ashburton, Canterbury.

About the role

The Herd Manager is a key leadership position responsible for the day-to-day management of the milking herd. Working alongside the Sharemilker and Second-in-Charge, you will:

• Plan, organise and oversee daily milking routines, shed hygiene and milk quality (targeting zero grades, SCC below 150,000)
• Lead herd health and animal welfare — detection and treatment of illness and lameness, drenching, vaccination and mastitis management
• Run the reproduction programme, including heat detection, mating/AI support, drying off and hands-on calving management
• Allocate pasture and supplementary feed, monitor pasture cover and residuals, and assist with feed budgeting and irrigation scheduling
• Operate and maintain farm machinery, milking plant, effluent systems and farm assets
• Supervise, train and mentor the Farm Assistant and seasonal staff
• Maintain accurate herd, animal health and feed records (MINDA/LIC) and complete farm reporting

Hours and pay

• Permanent, full-time position
• $35.00 per hour, paid fortnightly for all hours worked
• Guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week; typically 40–50 hours on a 6-days-on, 2-days-off roster
• Full leave entitlements per the Holidays Act 2003 and KiwiSaver employer contributions paid in addition to the hourly rate
• On-farm accommodation available under a separate service tenancy agreement

What we're looking for

• Minimum of 3 years' experience working on a commercial dairy farm in a relevant role 
• Proven competence across milking, herd health, calving, mating and pasture management
• A confident, experienced stockperson with sound animal-handling judgement, calm under pressure through calving and mating
• Strong communication skills and the ability to supervise and train junior staff
• Current driver's licence valid in New Zealand; safe operation of farm vehicles and quad bikes
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand

Start date: 1 October 2026. Applications close 03/08/2026

To apply, please submit your CV and references through Farm Source Jobs