Area Manager

DairyNZ Limited; Invercargill City; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DairyNZ Limited in Invercargill is seeking an Area Manager to lead regional farm systems initiatives, work with dairy farmers, partners and stakeholders, and deliver the DairyNZ programmes from our Invercargill office.

Reporting to the Regional Manager – Lower South Island, you will help farmers implement practice change, build effective networks, organise large events and facilitate partner engagements across the region.

Qualifications

• Degree in Agriculture, Commerce or Science.
• NZ dairy farming experience preferred.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Relationship management with farmers and industry partners
• Large event delivery and organisation
• Facilitation of events
• Participation in partner or stakeholder events
• Support farmers to improve farming practices using farm systems lens

Skills

Relationship management

Facilitation

Event coordination

Networking

Education

Degree in Agriculture

Degree in Commerce

Degree in Science

Job description

Progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming

We are full of people who have a passion for doing good and creating positive change. We leverage our collective strength by bringing the dairy sector together, helping farmers build more sustainable, profitable and resilient farm businesses, because a strong dairy sector means a strong New Zealand.

Your opportunity

We are looking for an Area Manager based out of our Invercargill office. This position is an essential part of our regional team working with dairy farmers, partners, and stakeholders to deliver the required elements of the DairyNZ strategic programmes. The role provides technical leadership and expertise in farm systems and plays a critical part in maintaining a strong and influential presence with dairy farming communities, local industry partners and stakeholders providing leadership and enabling partnerships.

Reporting to the Regional Manager – Lower South Island, alongside your team you will work with the farmers, stakeholders and partners to deliver a regional plan based on our programmes, including:

• Relationship management, including farmers and industry partners
• Large event delivery and organisation
• Facilitation of events
• Participation in partner or stakeholder events
• Support farmers to improve farming practices using farm systems lens

Understand farmer needs and referral to industry partners

About you

You will have a passion for doing good, getting to the heart of scientific facts and supporting farmers with real-world solutions, ideally holding a degree in Agriculture, Commerce or Science. You will be a true team player and will display a high degree of integrity and professionalism while bringing a sense of fun and energy to the role.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• Practical New Zealand dairy farming experience
• Experience in agribusiness sales, or in adoption/extension
• Experience in delivering solutions to achieve practice change
• Farm Systems knowledge and can support farmers to ‘connect the dots’
• Proven ability to build effective networks and relationships
• High level ability in facilitation, communication and presentation
• Ability to travel within the Lower South Island region
• High energy and passion for our sector

Why you should join us

Make a difference - Together with our farmers, help us drive positive progress for the sector and country we love. Our credible work supports a sustainable future for farmers, the environment and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Bring the whole you- We put people at the heart of what we do. We welcome all that you are and support your wellbeing, so you thrive personally and professionally.

Join a vibrant culture - Be part of a team that truly believes in our values. We have the courage to take bold action and the curiosity to drive innovation. Our credibility shines in our evidence-based work and our connectedness builds meaningful, collaborative relationships.

Empowering you - We succeed when you do, which is why we champion the development and growth of our people. We empower you to do and be at your best through learning opportunities and great benefits.

Sound good to you? Come join our team who together, are making a difference.

Check out the full position description here to read more detail. Applications close 30 September 2026, at 11:55pm.