Dairy Unit Manager: Lead 1,500-Cow Farm with Modern Tech & Home

No8HR; Waikato; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Modern 3-bedroom home + office

Progressive farming systems and tech

Strong leadership support and clear PM

Job summary

No8HR is seeking a capable Dairy Unit Manager to lead the day-to-day performance of a 1,500-cow dairy unit in the Rangitikei region, starting January 2027. This hands-on leadership role works alongside an Operations Manager, with strong systems and modern infrastructure enabling long-term career progression.

You will manage a team of 5–6 staff, drive pasture and feed planning, and utilise Halter technology and reporting systems to inform decisions and maintain high standards across the farm.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in a management role on a dairy farm milking 1,000+ cows.
• Experience leading 3–4+ staff daily.
• Strong pasture management and feed budgeting skills.
• Confidence using farm software, reporting systems, rosters, and Excel.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Hands-on approach with initiative and problem-solving.
• Genuine desire to develop within the dairy industry.

Responsibilities

• Drive the unit's performance through strong leadership, planning and execution.
• Lead and develop a team of 5–6 staff, fostering a positive culture focused on welfare and productivity.
• Manage pasture and feed; use technology and reporting to support decisions.
• Maintain high operational standards across a large-scale dairy farm.
• Balance people leadership with day-to-day farm management.

Skills

Dairy leadership

Team leadership

Pasture management

Feed budgeting

Excel

Communication

Problem solving

Hands-on leadership

Tools

Farm software

Reporting systems

Roster management

Excel

Job description

No8HR is seeking a capable Dairy Unit Manager to lead the day-to-day performance of a 1,500-cow dairy unit in the Rangitikei region, starting January 2027. This hands-on leadership role works alongside an Operations Manager, with strong systems and modern infrastructure enabling long-term career progression.

You will manage a team of 5–6 staff, drive pasture and feed planning, and utilise Halter technology and reporting systems to inform decisions and maintain high standards across the farm.