Manager

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, capable and motivated Dairy Farm Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a 300-cow, 100 ha dairy farm located near Westport.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role, suited to someone who takes pride in strong animal health outcomes, practical farm management, clear reporting and leading people through challenging conditions.

The successful applicant will be the on-farm operational lead, working closely with off-farm owners to deliver agreed production, financial and people outcomes.

The farm operates a 36ashb and includes heavy soils, requiring proactive planning around wet weather, flooding risk and pugging prevention.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Operations, Production & Herd Management

• Lead all daily farm operations to achieve agreed production, pasture and performance targets

• Manage efficient and high-quality milking operations on a 36 ash

• Implement and adapt pasture, feed and grazing plans across large-scale and variable conditions

• Take ownership of animal health, with a strong focus on:

  • Lameness prevention, detection and treatment

  • Herd health planning and recording

  • Calving management and young stock performance

• Maintain consistently high standards of animal welfare, particularly during wet conditions

Wet Weather, Heavy Soils & Risk Management

• Proactively manage farming on heavy West Coast soils, including:

  • Wet-weather decision making

  • Flooding response and recovery

  • Pugging prevention and remediation strategies

• Adjust stocking, grazing and feeding systems to protect pasture, cows and infrastructure

Tractor, Machinery & Feeding Operations

• Confident operation and oversight of tractor work, including:

  • Feeding out

  • Cultivation and pasture renovation

  • Fertiliser application and coordination

• Ensure machinery and equipment are well maintained and used safely and efficiently

Business Performance & Reporting

• Monitor farm performance against agreed KPIs (production, reproduction, pasture, costs and people)

• Prepare and present monthly written KPI and performance reports, including:

  • Production results and trends

  • Budget vs actual expenditure

  • Forward forecasts, risks and improvement opportunities

• Contribute to annual planning, budgeting and continuous improvement initiatives

Asset, Compliance & Health & Safety

• Ensure all farm infrastructure, machinery and plant are well maintained

• Manage environmental compliance, including effluent systems and farm environment plans

• Champion health, safety and wellbeing, ensuring systems are in place and followed

About You

• Proven experience in dairy farm management at Farm Manager or equivalent level

• Demonstrated strength in animal health, particularly lameness management

• Strong practical skills with tractors, feeding systems and cultivation work

• Experienced in managing staff and leading teams through challenging conditions

• Confident working with KPIs, budgets and producing clear monthly reports

• Calm, practical and proactive — especially in wet weather and high-pressure situations

• Physically fit, organised and committed to best-practice dairy farming

What’s on Offer

• -quality 3 bedroom family home 

• Long-term opportunity with engaged owners and clear expectations

• Competitive remuneration package, based on experience

To Apply

Please apply with your CV(s) and a brief cover letter outlining:

• Your relevant dairy farming and management experience

• Your approach to animal health, people leadership, wet-weather management and reporting