Dairy Herd Manager – Donegal, Ireland – €60,000 + 4-Bedroom House + Jeep + Excellent Benefits!

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd; Northern Ireland; On-site; EUR 60,000; Full time

Job description

Dairy Herd Manager
Dairy Herd Manager – Donegal, Ireland – €60,000 + 4-Bedroom House + Jeep + Excellent Benefits!

The Job:
- Oversee the management of a 650-cow, fully robotic, all-year calving, flying herd
- Oversee and support a transition to a 1,000 cow herd
- Lead and manage a team of five staff members, including recruitment, training, and performance management
- Ensure the smooth operation of all farm activities, including milking, feeding, breeding, and youngstock management
- Carry out in-house foot trimming and AI services to optimise herd fertility and health
- Monitor and manage herd health, working closely with vets, nutritionists, and advisors
- Oversee farm maintenance, ensuring robotic milking systems and all infrastructure are operating efficiently
- Maintain high standards of animal welfare, hygiene, and biosecurity protocols
- Take full financial responsibility for the farm, including budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting
- Provide regular operational and financial reports to senior management
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry best practices

The Company:
A well-established and progressive large-scale dairy business in Donegal, Ireland is seeking a highly skilled Dairy Herd Manager to oversee the operations of its fully robotic, all-year calving, flying herd. With a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, this farm prioritises in-house expertise in AI and foot trimming to optimise herd performance. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced dairy professional to join a high-performing team in a state-of-the-art farming environment.

The Candidate:
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in dairy herd management, preferably on a large-scale farm
- Proven track record in managing staff and full farm operations
- Strong understanding of robotic milking systems and modern dairy farming techniques
- Hands-on experience in AI, foot trimming, and herd fertility management
- Excellent leadership and team management skills
- Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting and cost management
- High level of technical knowledge in herd health, nutrition, and breeding
- Competence in farm management software and data-driven decision-making
- Strong problem-solving ability and ability to work under pressure
- Passion for dairy farming and commitment to best practices in animal welfare

The Package:
- €60,000 salary based on experience
- 4-bedroom house provided as part of the package
- Company vehicle (Jeep) for work-related use
- Excellent benefits package
- Opportunity to work on a state-of-the-art, fully robotic dairy farm
- Professional development and career growth opportunities

Please email your CV to Grace Hartwell, Senior Delivery Recruitment Consultant, [e-mail].