Area Manager

DairyNZ; Otago; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DairyNZ is seeking an Area Manager based in Invercargill to lead regional dairy initiatives, working with farmers, partners and stakeholders to deliver strategic programmes. You will provide technical leadership in farm systems and help strengthen the dairy sector across the Lower South Island.

Reporting to the Regional Manager, you will manage relationships, deliver large events, facilitate activities and support farmers in adopting best practices.

Qualifications

• Degree in Agriculture, Commerce or Science.
• Experience in agribusiness sales or extension.
• Practical NZ dairy farming experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with farmers and industry partners.
• Lead regional programme delivery and events.
• Facilitate events and stakeholder engagement.
• Support farmers to improve farming practices using farm systems lens.
• Travel within the Southland/South Otago region as required.

Skills

Relationship building

Facilitation

Presentation

Agribusiness sales

Farm systems knowledge

Network development

Travel autonomy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Commerce/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

Due to internal movement in the team, 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'll 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 changeFarm 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 Southland/South Otago 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 22 November 2026, at 11:55pm.