Stock Manager – Large-Scale Beef Operation | Kaipara Harbour

An opportunity to take the reins on a progressive Northland farming operation

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Stock Manager to join our large-scale beef operation on the beautiful Kaipara Harbour.

This is a substantial farming position with responsibility for the day-to-day stock management of a 960 effective hectare property, running approximately:

• 450 Charolais breeding cows
• 1,000–1,200 finishing cattle
• Approximately 600 calves reared annually, including both spring and autumn calves

The property is currently undergoing significant development, with a separate development team responsible for the wider property development programme. This means the Stock Manager can focus on what they do best — running the stock and driving animal performance.

The role

We are looking for someone who is confident managing a large-scale beef operation and who takes pride in doing things well.

You will have responsibility for:

• Day-to-day management of the breeding and finishing herds
• Animal health, welfare and performance
• Mating, calving and weaning programmes
• Grazing and feed management
• Stock movements and drafting
• Record keeping and stock performance
• Working alongside the wider farm and development teams
• Managing staff and contractors as required
• Maintaining high standards of animal husbandry and presentation

The successful applicant will be an experienced stock person with strong practical cattle skills, sound judgement and the ability to work independently.

Calf-rearing

Approximately 600 calves are reared each year, across spring and autumn systems, on a separate block.

This part of the operation is supported by a dedicated person who also manages the K-Line irrigation, so the Stock Manager will not be expected to take on the full responsibility for this system.

The property & lifestyle

The farm is situated in a beautiful location overlooking the Kaipara Harbour, offering a fantastic rural lifestyle in a part of New Zealand renowned for its scenery, space and outdoor opportunities.

A renovated four-bedroom farmhouse is provided with the position.

The house was renovated approximately 18 months ago and features:

• Four bedrooms
• Double glazing
• A wood fire heating a radiator system throughout the house
• Comfortable modern living

A gardener takes care of the lawns and large vegetable garden, helping make the property a particularly attractive place to live.

A position with a future

This is more than simply another farm job.

We are looking for someone who wants to build something and progress their career. The scale of the operation provides the opportunity to work with significant numbers of quality cattle while being part of a property with ongoing development.

Interestingly, the previous two people to hold this position have both gone on to purchase their own farms.

We see that as a reflection of the type of person this role attracts — capable, ambitious people who want to build their skills, take responsibility and ultimately progress into farm ownership.

What we're looking for

Ideally, you will have:

• Proven experience managing beef cattle at scale
• Strong stockmanship and animal husbandry skills
• Experience with breeding and finishing cattle
• Good pasture and feed management skills
• A practical, hands-on approach
• The ability to organise people, stock and daily priorities
• Good communication and record-keeping skills
• A strong work ethic and pride in the job
• A desire to continue developing your farming career

Relevant qualifications are an advantage, but practical experience, attitude and stock skills are what matter most.

The opportunity

If you're an experienced beef farmer looking for a serious stock management role, a great house, a beautiful location and the opportunity to be part of a large and developing operation, we'd like to hear from you.

This could be an ideal stepping stone for someone with aspirations of eventually owning and operating their own farm.

Applications should include a CV and a brief covering letter outlining your experience, current situation and what you're looking for in your next role.