Dairy Commercial Research Lead: Trials & Delivery

DairyNZ Limited; Waikato; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Purpose-driven culture

Birthday leave

Career development

Wellbeing programs

Flexible work environment

Southern Cross Health Insurance

Job summary

DairyNZ is seeking a Commercial Research Lead for its Research & Science team in Waikato. You will coordinate and deliver the DairyNZ commercial research and trial portfolio, bridging between external organisations and DairyNZ scientists, from enquiry through to proposal, contracting, trial delivery and reporting.

You will translate opportunities into scientifically robust trial protocols while meeting regulatory and Animal Ethics standards, relevant to pasture-based dairy farming.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in agricultural science, animal science, biological science or related discipline (postgraduate preferred)
• Demonstrated experience designing, coordinating or delivering agricultural research programmes, field trials or applied projects
• Sound understanding of research methods and experimental design, including power analysis
• Strong project management skills with multi‑project oversight
• Ability to build relationships and influence across multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong organisational skills
• Commercial awareness balancing scientific, stakeholder and organisational needs

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and support delivery of commercial research projects from enquiry to completion, safely, on time, within budget and to quality standards
• Act as main contact between commercial organisations and DairyNZ scientists
• Develop robust trial designs, protocols and delivery plans meeting NZ regulatory and Animal Ethics requirements
• Lead preparation of proposals, quotations, budgets and project documentation
• Coordinate Animal Ethics Committee applications and regulatory approvals
• Manage trial logistics and financial records
• Provide reporting and insights to support prioritisation and resource planning
• Identify and implement improvements to delivery systems and processes

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Research design

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Tertiary qualification in agricultural/science

Job description

DairyNZ is seeking a Commercial Research Lead for its Research & Science team in Waikato. You will coordinate and deliver the DairyNZ commercial research and trial portfolio, bridging between external organisations and DairyNZ scientists, from enquiry through to proposal, contracting, trial delivery and reporting.

You will translate opportunities into scientifically robust trial protocols while meeting regulatory and Animal Ethics standards, relevant to pasture-based dairy farming.