Farms Manager - Longburn. 12 month fixed term contract

Ag Assist; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fonterra operates two Longburn dairy farms spanning 200ha and 130ha with ~600 and ~350 cows respectively, plus support blocks. You will provide operational leadership across sites, drive wastewater management, and collaborate with irrigation teams to meet consent and environmental targets.

You will lead a small team, mentor staff, manage budgets, and contribute to strategic farm objectives while maintaining high safety and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing farm teams.
• Exceptional pasture management and feed budgeting capability.
• Strong stock management and animal welfare knowledge.
• Ability to safely operate a range of farm machinery.
• Visible leadership in Health & Safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across two dairy farms and two support blocks.
• Collaborate with irrigation operators on daily wastewater application.
• Shape the future direction of the farms and drive improvement initiatives.
• Manage contractors, partners and stakeholders across multiple streams.
• Ensure operations align with environmental, commercial and consent requirements.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of four staff.
• Manage budgets and reporting; oversee maintenance and records.

Job description

Farms Manager - Longburn. 12 month fixed term contract

Manawatu Whanganui

Description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpōAt Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.About Us | He kupu mō mātouFonterra operates an extensive network of dairy and dry stock farms across New Zealand, supporting our processing sites through the sustainable and environmentally responsible application of factory wastewater. These farms play a critical role in demonstrating best-practice land, water and environmental management.About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūrangaAt our Fonterra farms, we share your dedication to agricultural excellence and rural living. Your expertise is the driving force behind achieving exceptional results and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our farming community.Joining us as our Longburn Farms Manager on a 12 month fixed term contract, you will be responsible for our two farms in the Longburn, working closely with on-farm irrigation teams to ensure daily wastewater application is managed effectively and compliantly.

You will oversee:

• Two dairy platforms200ha milking approximately 600 cows
• 130ha milking approximately 350 cows
• 130ha support blocks
• Significant grass silage production, with surplus made and sold to neighbouring farms

In this role, you will:

• Provide operational leadership across two dairy farms and two support blocks
• Work collaboratively with Fonterra irrigation operators on daily wastewater application
• Play a key role in shaping the future direction of the farms
• Manage contractors, partners and stakeholders across multiple workstreams
• Ensure farm operations align with strategic, environmental and commercial objectives
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of four staff
• Manage operational budgets and reporting
• Carry out and oversee farm maintenance
• Maintain accurate farm and compliance records
• Champion a high-performing Health & Safety culture
• Ensure farming practices meet consent and regulatory requirements
• Health, Safety and Environmental stewardship is critical to this role.
• Alongside managing wastewater application, you will actively identify and implement farm improvement initiatives while driving a strong health and safety focus.

About You | MōuYou’re a motivated self-starter with demonstrated farm management experience, or the ambition and capability to take the next step, complemented by strong technical expertise and excellent people skills.You’ll be confident working in a collaborative environment and skilled at building strong working relationships—particularly with irrigation and environmental specialists supporting day-to-day operations.

Key Attributes:

• Proven experience leading and developing farm teams
• Exceptional pasture management and feed budgeting capability
• Strong stock management skills and commitment to best-practice animal welfare
• Ability to safely and competently operate a range of farm machinery
• A visible leader in Health & Safety
• Strong understanding of working within resource consent requirements
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in farm presentation
• A positive attitude and good sense of humour
• Agribusiness or Dairy Farming qualifications will be highly regarde

Our Values | Ngā Aura

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati

We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:

• Fair and equitable pay
• Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth support
• Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
• Employee recognition
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection

To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi

At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Join Us | Tātou Tātou

Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te KatoaInclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 10th June