Assistant Herd Manager

De Lacy Executive; Wisbech; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy estate in the UK is seeking an experienced Assistant Herd Manager to oversee daily milking operations and herd management. You will work closely with vets and nutritionists to maximise herd health and implement breeding strategies. The ideal candidate will have experience in AI procedures and machinery skills. The role offers a competitive salary along with on-farm accommodation, career progression, and vehicle support.

Benefits

On-farm accommodation

Career progression

Vehicle and Fuel Miles

Qualifications

• Experience in managing dairy operations and herd health.
• Ability to lead and mentor a growing team.
• Knowledge of breeding strategies and grassland management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily milking operations and grazing management.
• Manage autumn block calf rearing and colostrum protocols.
• Maintain high animal welfare and operational standards.

Skills

AI procedures

Foot trimming

Machinery skills (mowers, balers, drills)

Job description

Are you a skilled dairy professional ready to lead a modern, high-performing herd?

Join a progressive UK dairy estate managing an organic Jersey herd of 360 milkers across 500 acres, with plans to expand to 500 and go full pedigree.

As Assistant Herd Manager, you’ll oversee daily milking operations, grazing management, autumn block‑calving, and implement breeding strategies, including AI and bull service. Experience in AI procedures and foot trimming is a plus.

You’ll work closely with vets, nutritionists, and geneticists to maximise herd health and milk output, ensuring top hygiene standards in the parlour. Leading and mentoring a growing team, you’ll maintain accurate records on AgriNet and plan grassland management with precision—rotational reseeds, mowing schedules, and contractor coordination. Machinery skills (mowers, balers, drills) are essential.

This is your chance to help shape one of the UK’s most forward‑thinking organic dairy enterprises and champion regenerative farming principles.

Responsibilities:

• Running daily milking operations, covering where required
• Organising rotas for dairy team: milking, feeding, grazing and seasonal tasks.
• Oversee daily milking schedules, set targets for milk quality and yield, and troubleshoot equipment issues with engineers.
• Uphold top-tier animal welfare and operational standards
• Maintain immaculate paddocks, yards, buildings to highest standards
• Oversee daily milking schedules, set targets for milk quality and yield, and troubleshoot equipment issues with engineers.
• Implement the estate’s dairy breeding policies through AI programmes, fertility monitoring and genetic‑improvement initiatives.
• Drive herd health targets with AI programmes, fertility submissions over 75% and robust hoof‑care and lameness prevention.
• Manage and oversea autumn block calf rearing, colostrum protocols, feeding plans alongside the nutritionist

Remunerations:

• Competitive salary, On‑farm accommodation, Farm House, Vehicle and Fuel Miles
• Career progression within the estate

How do I apply?

For more information and an informal confidential discussion please call Rupert Kettle on: 01885 485523 / 07498665961 or e‑mail your CV (in word format) and covering letter to [e-mail], thank you.

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Please note that this advertisement is not a job description and you should satisfy yourself about the full details at interview.

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