Herd Manager

To apply for this role please visit - https://www.ruraldirections.co.nz/jobs?ja-job=1125382 

Your Role

With 2–3 years’ dairy experience, the Herd Manager will be supported to build their skills across a large-scale operation while taking on greater responsibility. The role could suit an experienced Herd Manager from a smaller herd looking to step up, or a Farm Assistant with large-herd experience ready for the next step.

You’ll enjoy variety across once-a-day milking, animal health, stock management, machinery and general farm work. Willowford offers a small, supportive team environment, with progressive cow management, cut-and-carry feeding, a strong focus on animal health and a diverse mating programme.

What You’ll Bring:

• Good stockmanship and a genuine enjoyment of working with cows.
• Sound understanding of feed management and cow requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and tidy, organised work habits.
• A willingness to learn, take responsibility and develop your skills.
• Care and confidence around machinery, and ability to keep equipment well maintained.
• Ability to work independently while being a reliable and positive team player.
• Enjoy a varied role across milking, stock work, machinery and general farm tasks.
• A willingness to take responsibility for shed management, including checks, records and paperwork.        

What’s on Offer

• Supportive, team-focused environment where knowledge is shared and initiative is valued.
• Build your dairy skills across milking, animal health, feed, machinery and pasture management.
• Grow your leadership and herd management experience, with increasing responsibility as your skills develop.
• Learn within a progressive farming system, including cut-and-carry feeding, strong animal health practices and varied herd management.
• Once-a-day milking system designed to support a more balanced and sustainable work routine.
• Enjoy a strong rural community, regular Friday night socials at Waiwhare, and excellent hunting and fishing opportunities, with access to an on-farm riverside campsite for employees.
• Accommodation is a recently renovated 3-bedroom 1970s home with a modern kitchen and new bathroom, fully insulated and Healthy Homes certified.

About Willowford

SJ Pastures is a progressive 450ha dairy operation based in Waiwhare, Hawke’s Bay, 50km from Hastings. The property includes a 250ha milking platform and dedicated feed unit, supported by modern infrastructure, high-end machinery and a composting barn.

The herd is milked once a day, offering a balanced farming routine while still providing experience in a large-scale operation. Excellent laneways, strong feed production and a largely self-sufficient system support efficient farming and a positive work–life balance.                                

Hit APPLY or call Rural Directions on 06 871 0450 for a confidential chat.

Applications close Monday 26th October 2026, APPLY NOW

Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.

To apply for this role please visit - https://www.ruraldirections.co.nz/jobs?ja-job=1125382