Farm Manager – 660 Jersey Cow Dairy Farm | Amuri Basin, North Canterbury

An Excellent Opportunity for an Experienced Farm Manager

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and capable Farm Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of a well-established, Jersey 660-cow dairy operation in the picturesque Amuri Basin, North Canterbury.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proven operator who takes pride in achieving strong farm performance, maintaining high standards of animal welfare and pasture management, and leading a productive and positive team.

Working alongside supportive farm owners and farm advisor, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to take ownership of the farm's operational performance while contributing to the ongoing development and success of the business.

The Role

The Farm Manager will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the dairy operation, including the adjacent support block, youngstock grazing and wintering.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Leading and managing the farm team, with a staffing structure comprising the Farm Manager and three additional labour units.
2. Achieving agreed production, pasture management, animal health and operational performance targets.
3. Maintaining excellent standards of stockmanship, animal welfare and herd management.
4. Overseeing calf rearing, youngstock management and wintering operations.
5. Planning and managing feed supply, pasture utilisation and supplementary feeding.
6. Maintaining high standards of farm presentation, infrastructure and environmental compliance.
7. Working collaboratively with the farm owners and advisor to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and long-term business performance.

About the Farm

The property is a well-established, fully self-contained dairy operation located approximately 10 km from Culverden, at the base of the stunning Lowry Peaks range.

Key farm features include:

1. 660-cow-Jersey herd.
2. 196-hectare effective milking platform with quality dairy pastures and excellent soil fertility.
3. Predominantly spray irrigated through centre pivots.
4. 54-bale rotary dairy shed with a Read milking plant, automatic cup removers (ACRs), Protrack and in-shed feeding.
5. Adjacent support block providing youngstock grazing and wintering facilities.
6. Approximately 500 hectares in total, comprising flat, rolling and hill country.
7. Well-maintained infrastructure and facilities supporting an efficient, fully self-contained farming system.

The business is also open to exploring opportunities in organic dairy production, providing an exciting prospect for a manager who is adaptable, forward-thinking, and interested in alternative farming systems.

About You

We are looking for an established Farm Manager with a proven ability to lead people, manage farm systems, and consistently deliver results.

The ideal applicant will demonstrate:

1. Proven dairy farm management experience and strong technical farming knowledge.
2. Excellent stockmanship and a genuine commitment to animal welfare.
3. Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
4. Sound pasture, feed and herd management capabilities.
5. The ability to plan, prioritise workloads and make sound operational decisions.
6. A positive attitude, strong work ethic and high level of personal accountability.
7. A willingness to work collaboratively with owners and advisors while confidently managing day-to-day operations.
8. An open-minded approach to new ideas and innovation.
9. Skilled with machinery and fertiliser application.

Above all, we are seeking someone who takes pride in their work, leads by example and is committed to building a successful, long-term working relationship.

What We Offer

We recognise that attracting and retaining good people is fundamental to a successful farming business.

The successful applicant will enjoy:

1. A competitive remuneration package and benefits, reflecting experience and capability.
2. Supportive and approachable farm owners who value open communication and a positive working relationship.
3. Excellent facilities and well-maintained farm infrastructure.
4. The opportunity to take responsibility for a substantial, fully self-contained dairy operation.
5. Professional support from an experienced farm advisor.
6. A friendly, supportive working environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
7. A fantastic rural lifestyle in one of North Canterbury's most scenic farming regions.

Accommodation and Lifestyle

A modern, spacious three-bedroom home is provided, set within a well-maintained, fully fenced section with an established garden and spectacular views of the Lowry Peaks.

The property is approximately 10 km from Culverden, with a school bus service available at the gate for both primary and secondary students attending Amuri Area School.

This is an opportunity to combine a rewarding management role with an excellent lifestyle in a welcoming rural community.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Must be legally eligible to work in New Zealand
2. Full New Zealand driver’s license required
3. Strong commitment to Health & Safety and environmental best practices
4. Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
5. The successful applicant may be subject to random drug testing at the employer’s discretion

Recruitment Process

Interviews will be held on-farm.