Chief Farm Solutions & Engagement Officer

Everest People; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural organization in New Zealand is seeking a Chief Farm Solutions & Engagement Officer to drive impact for farmers and communities. The role requires proven executive leadership experience in the agricultural sector, alongside strong skills in stakeholder engagement and change leadership. You'll lead a high-performing team and develop strategies to enhance DairyNZ’s impact nationwide. This position offers a flexible, values-led work environment.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working

Employee-centric staff wellbeing programme

Professional development available for all employees

Culture capability (Māori) personal development

EAP services

Whānau-first philosophy including discretionary leave

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership experience, ideally within the agricultural sector.
• Strong track record in strategic programme delivery and change leadership.
• Experience managing significant budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team.
• Develop and implement strategies for DairyNZ's vision.
• Oversee multiple teams focusing on farmers' needs.
• Foster high-value relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Executive leadership experience

Stakeholder engagement

Change leadership

Commercial acumen

Exceptional relationship skills

Digital fluency

Collaborative approach

Passion for agricultural impact

Job description

Overview

Lead the future of farm solutions and engagement – drive impact for farmers, communities, and the agricultural sector.

• Provide visionary leadership and direction to a high-performing team.
• Shape and deliver strategic farm solutions, engagement, and communications for DairyNZ’s farmers and partners.
• Strengthen relationships and influence change through expertise, innovation, and collaborative partnerships.

About DairyNZ

DairyNZ is progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming – Te whanake anamata angitu mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and innovative in their thought leadership, motivated by their vision and a desire to see communities benefit from a thriving dairy sector. With a keen eye on the changing dynamics of society, lifestyle, and demand, they strive to stay ahead of the curve, creating a positive future for generations to come. At DairyNZ, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation, working alongside talented professionals who care deeply about the future of dairy farming in New Zealand.

About the Role

To amplify impact and leadership, we are seeking a Chief Farm Solutions & Engagement Officer – a dynamic executive who will shape and champion DairyNZ’s farm solutions, farmer engagement, and thought leadership nationwide and on international stages.

Reporting to the CEO, you will:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, building capability through a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.
• Develop and implement strategies that bring DairyNZ’s vision to life and drive change through innovative solutions and impactful engagement.
• Oversee multiple teams, including:
• Solutions & Development – delivering dairy farm systems expertise and tailored solutions.
• Regional Teams & Extension Delivery – engaging directly with farmers and partners.
• Farmer Communications & Marketing – ensuring impactful communication and brand consistency.
• Corporate Communications & Media – managing media relationships and strategic messaging.
• Dairy Training Limited – supporting capability development across the sector.
• Foster and maintain high-value relationships, acting as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders and representing DairyNZ where it matters most.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration, evaluating delivery and making improvements to connect, align, and inspire.
• Be a trusted advisor to the leadership team, providing strategic counsel and amplifying key campaigns, initiatives, and stakeholder events.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced and future-focused leader who understands the power of expertise, engagement, and innovation to drive meaningful change.

You will bring:

• Proven executive leadership experience, ideally within the agricultural or primary sector.
• A strong track record in strategic programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership.
• Commercial acumen and experience managing significant budgets.
• Exceptional relationship and influencing skills, with networks across the sector.
• Digital fluency and the ability to leverage new platforms and insights for maximum impact.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous learning.
• A passion for creating impact in agricultural, business, and community outcomes.

Why DairyNZ?

You will be part of a passionate and supportive team where your expertise will directly contribute to better futures for farmers and communities across New Zealand. DairyNZ offers a flexible, values-led work environment where innovation, learning, and people come first.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Employee-centric staff wellbeing programme.
• Professional development available for all employees.
• Culture capability (Māori) personal development.
• EAP services.
• Whānau-first philosophy including access to discretionary leave for life’s “curve balls”

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

For further information or a confidential conversation, contact Senga Allen on 0272104212.