Dairy Herd Manager

JobSpace; Ashburton; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation may be available

On-the-job training

Competitive pay

Career growth

Job summary

Jora New Zealand is seeking a reliable and hardworking Dairy Herd Manager to join our team. This hands‑on role offers on‑the‑job training, opportunities to improve herd performance, and potential accommodation for the right candidate.

You will lead daily farm operations, manage milking, breeding, health, and staff while ensuring safety and compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to learn practical farm management skills and grow within the dairy industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ relevant dairy farming experience.
• Able to work early mornings, weekends, and rostered shifts.
• Physically fit and capable of carrying out manual farm duties.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow farm procedures and instructions.
• Proven ability to supervise staff and work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily dairy farm operations, taking full responsibility for herd performance, milking efficiency, and milk quality.
• Develop and implement herd management strategies, including breeding, calving, and reproduction programs.
• Monitor animal health and welfare, identify common ailments, administer treatments, and maintain accurate records.
• Implement farm policies, biosecurity measures, and environmental regulations, ensuring sustainable management of soil, nutrients, effluent, and water.
• Optimize pasture, crop, and supplement management to maximize feed quality and utilization.
• Supervise, train, and mentor staff, fostering a productive, skilled, and motivated team.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Manage KPIs, production targets, and budget considerations, contributing to strategic farm decisions.
• Promote and model a strong Health, Safety, and Wellbeing culture, identifying hazards and maintaining incident records.

Skills

Work ethic

Punctuality

Staff supervision

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Physical fitness

Education

Dairy farming experience (2+ years)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

We are looking for a reliable and hardworking individual as Dairy Herd Manager to join our
team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is eager to learn hands‑on farm
management skills and grow within the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily dairy farm operations, taking full responsibility for herd performance, milking efficiency, and milk quality
• Develop and implement herd management strategies, including breeding, calving, and reproduction programs
• Monitor animal health and welfare, identify common ailments, administer treatments, and maintain accurate records
• Implement farm policies, biosecurity measures, and environmental regulations, ensuring sustainable management of soil, nutrients, effluent, and water
• Optimize pasture, crop, and supplement management to maximize feed quality and utilization
• Supervise, train, and mentor staff, fostering a productive, skilled, and motivated team
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability
• Manage KPIs, production targets, and budget considerations, contributing to strategic farm decisions
• Promote and model a strong Health, Safety, and Wellbeing culture, identifying hazards and maintaining incident records

Skills and Attributes

Candidates must havea minimum of two years’ relevant dairy farming experience.

• Good work ethic and willingness to learn
• Able to work early mornings, weekends, and rostered shifts
• Physically fit and capable of carrying out manual farm duties
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow farm procedures and instructions
• Proven ability to supervise staff and work effectively as part of a team

What We Offer:

• Full on-the-job training
• Competitive pay
• Supportive team and long-term career growth
• Accommodation may be available for the right candidate