Herd Manager – Dairy Farm - County Cork, Ireland - €45,000 + Accommodation

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd; Munster; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Accommodation cost contribution

Annual leave and bank holidays

Job summary

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd is seeking a Herd Manager for a spring calving dairy herd in County Cork, Ireland. The role covers day-to-day management including herd health, grazing, milking and records, with autonomy and support from an experienced management team.

Salary €45,000 DOE with accommodation available and potential longer-term progression within the dairy business. A minimum NVQ Level 2 is required and valid work rights.

Qualifications

• Commercial dairy farming experience with practical stockmanship.
• Ability to work independently and with a management team.
• Good knowledge of spring-calving systems, including calving, calf rearing, breeding and AI preparation.
• Interest in grassland management and grazing measurement.
• Willing to work seasonal hours on a spring calving dairy farm.

Responsibilities

• Milk the herd twice daily with high milk quality.
• Manage breeding programme including heat detection and AI preparation.
• Oversee calving, calf care, youngstock and seasonal herd husbandry.
• Carry out health procedures and treatments per farm programme.
• Take ownership of grazing management, grass covers and allocation.
• Monitor grass utilisation and plan feeding throughout the season.
• Maintain accurate herd and farm records and contribute to management reporting.
• Support general farm maintenance and keeping the farm clean and well run.
• Help organise day‑to‑day farm labour with the management team.
• Contribute ideas for ongoing improvements across the farm.

Skills

Dairy farming experience

Stockmanship

Calving management

Education

NVQ Level 2 or Scottish NVQ Level 2

Job description

Herd Manager

Herd Manager – Dairy Farm -County Cork, Ireland -€45,000 +Accommodation

The Job:

An established and progressive dairy farming business in County Cork is looking for an experienced Herd Manager to take responsibility for the day‑to‑day management and performance of a spring calving dairy herd. This is a hands‑on position suited to an experienced dairy professional who is ready to take the next step into a genuine management role. You will have responsibility for herd health, breeding, grazing, milking and general farm organisation, while working alongside an experienced management team. The role offers good autonomy, practical support and the opportunity to develop your skills within a progressive grass based dairy system.

Key Responsibilities:

• Milk the herd twice daily while maintaining high standards of milk quality and hygiene
• Manage the farm breeding programme, including heat detection, body condition scoring, pre‑breeding and AI preparation
• Manage calving, calf care, youngstock and seasonal herd husbandry
• Carry out routine treatments, vaccinations, dosing and health procedures in line with the farm's animal health programme
• Take ownership of grazing management, including grass walks, measuring covers, allocating grass and identifying surpluses or shortages
• Monitor grass utilisation and help plan grazing and feeding requirements throughout the season
• Maintain accurate herd and farm records and contribute to regular management reporting
• Support general farm maintenance, repairs and keeping the farm to a high standard
• Help organise day‑to‑day farm labour and work closely with the wider management team
• Contribute ideas and practical input to ongoing improvements across the farm

The Company:

The business operates a modern, well‑developed dairy enterprise in County Cork with a strong focus on grass utilisation, herd performance and efficient farm management. The farm has continued to invest in its infrastructure and systems and is part of a wider progressive dairy operation, providing access to experienced management, practical support and opportunities to learn from other units within the business.

The Candidate:

• Previous commercial dairy farming experience, with strong practical stockmanship and a good understanding of cow health, welfare and milk production
• Confident taking responsibility for day to day herd management, making decisions and working independently while knowing when to seek support
• Good knowledge of spring‑calving systems, including calving, calf rearing, breeding, AI preparation, body condition scoring and routine herd health
• Genuine interest in grassland management, with an understanding of grazing allocation, grass measurement, utilisation and managing covers throughout the season
• Practical, organised and hardworking, with pride in maintaining a clean, safe and well run farm
• Comfortable working as part of a small team and helping to organise day‑to‑day labour and farm priorities
• Ambitious and keen to develop their management skills and build a long‑term career within the dairy industry
• Full driving licence and willingness to work the seasonal hours required on a spring‑calving dairy farm

The Package:

• Salary €45,000 DOE
• Accommodation available, with a contribution towards accommodation costs
• Seasonal working pattern, with workload reducing outside the main spring period
• Annual leave and bank holiday entitlement
• Opportunities for dairy courses, discussion groups and professional development
• Structured support to develop grassland, herd management and commercial skills
• Potential longer‑term progression within the wider dairy business for the right candidate

Candidate Requirements

• All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.