Dairy Unit Manager - Manawatu, NZ

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

1,500 cows I 80 BR I Manawatu, NZ

Modern Systems. Strong Support. Career Growth

Are you an experienced dairy leader looking for your next challenge on a high-performing, large-scale operation?

An exciting opportunity is available for 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 (with the potential to commence earlier for the right person), this role offers the chance to join a progressive dairy business with strong systems, modern infrastructure, and genuine long-term career opportunities.

Operating a modern 80-bale rotary dairy with Halter technology, you'll work closely with an Operations Manager while taking responsibility for the daily management of the farm and team. With another large-scale dairy unit nearby, there is excellent scope for future growth and progression within the wider business.

Key Responsibilities

As Dairy Unit Manager, you will be responsible for driving the performance of the dairy unit through strong leadership, planning, and execution. You'll lead and develop a team of 5-6 staff, creating a positive culture focused on animal welfare, productivity, safety, and continuous improvement. Success in this role will come from your ability to manage pasture and feed effectively, utilise technology and reporting systems to support decision-making, and maintain high operational standards across the farm. This is a hands-on position that requires practical problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and the ability to balance people leadership with the day-to-day demands of a large-scale dairy operation.

What You'll Bring

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a management role on a dairy farm milking 1,000+ cows
• Proven experience managing and leading 3-4+ staff on a day-to-day basis
• Strong pasture management and feed budgeting skills
• Confidence using farm software, reporting systems, rosters, and Excel
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• A practical, hands-on approach with strong initiative
• Ambition, career goals, and a genuine desire to continue developing within the dairy industry

What's on Offer

• Competitive remuneration package
• Modern 3-bedroom home plus office
• Progressive farming systems and technology
• Strong leadership support and clear performance frameworks
• A business that values development, accountability, and progression

If you're ready to take the next step in your dairy career and lead a large-scale, professionally managed operation, we'd love to hear from you.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion, contact Julie on 027 289 9670 or [e-mail]