We are looking for an Assistant Manager ready to lead a team on our 930-cow variable order sharemilking operation at Red Hill Dairy, Rotherham. You'll run the team and stock day to day after balance date. Earlier start date negotiable.
About us
Our mission is to sustainably and efficiently produce high-quality milk by maintaining a high standard of animal health and wellbeing, caring for our environment, growing our people and minimising wastage.
Cows: healthy, well-fed cows that live long, productive lives. Last season we averaged 477 kgMS per cow with a 14% empty rate, and this spring 93% of the herd calved in six weeks. We're working to lift per-cow production from here.
Milk: milk quality we're proud of. Average SCC of 117,000, and Te Puku under Fonterra's Co-operative Difference, working towards Te Tihi.
Planet: we want to leave this land better for the next generation. That means careful soil, water and fertiliser management, minimising waste, and ongoing native plantings across the property by the farm owners.
Team: helping each other learn and grow, with a good work/life balance and everyone getting home safe. We cover Ag ITO training and support you through it.
What you'll be doing
Leading and rostering the team for milkings
Overseeing milking, with regular hands-on milking
Paddock & grass management from balance date, working with the variable order sharemilker
Animal health monitoring and treatments, calving and mating (Allflex collars, upgrading to Halter for 2027 season)
Effluent management, health and safety, and basic record-keeping
What you'll bring
At least 3–4 years' dairy experience, including 1+ years at 2IC level
People management experience and a genuine interest in growing as a leader
Primary ITO Level 4 (or similar)
First aid certificate preferred, or willing to gain one
Full, clean NZ driver licence
A calm, clear communicator who leads by example
What we offer
85,000–90,000 total package depending on experience, including phone allowance and on-farm house (rent deducted from package)
3 bedroom house with newly renovated kitchen and bathroom provided
Roster: 6:2 during calving (mid-July to September), then 8:2/8:3 and 7:3/8:3 for the rest of the season
Please note
Applicants must be NZ citizens or residents. We are unable to support employer-specific visas (we are not an accredited employer).
Pets by prior agreement only, including any pets living on the property.
Shortlisted applicants will have a phone interview, then an in-person interview with a practical farm walk.
Red Hill Dairy, Rotherham, North Canterbury
Red Hill is a 930-cow irrigated dairy farm in the Amuri Basin. It’s run by variable order sharemilkers with a team of five full-time staff, plus calf rearers in spring.
Our mission: sustainably and efficiently produce high-quality milk by maintaining a high standard of animal health and wellbeing, caring for our environment, growing our people and minimising wastage.
The farm
Our results
Caring for the land
Working with us