Livestock Representative

Silver Fern Farms Ltd; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted staff meat sales

Paid sick leave from date of employ

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Silver Fern Farms is seeking a Livestock Representative in the greater South Otago area, servicing Owaka catchment. You will manage the full procurement process for Sheep, Beef, Dairy & Venison, from sourcing to delivery and payment, while building strong supplier relationships and growing the network.

You will forecast supply, assess livestock quality and ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and assurance programmes.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the livestock industry with store stock background.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with suppliers and add long-term value.
• Forecast supply, assess livestock quality, and align procurement with market conditions.
• Communicate clearly, provide timely supplier support, and follow assurance and animal welfare standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage full livestock procurement for Sheep, Beef, Dairy & Venison from sourcing to delivery and payment.
• Identify supply opportunities and negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Lead livestock planning and supplier engagement, sharing market insights and opportunities.
• Support product, programme and brand development while growing a reliable supplier network.
• Identify new suppliers and develop practical strategies to grow the business.

Skills

Livestock procurement

Pricing & negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Supply forecasting

Digital tools & reporting

Job description

Te Tūranga/About The Role

As a Livestock Representative, you’ll work closely with farmers to build strong, long-term relationships. You’ll be stepping into a well-established territory with solid existing partnerships and a history of consistent service. This role is based in the greater South Otago area predominately servicing suppliers’ area the Owaka catchment. It's important for you to live in the region and have a good understanding of what is needed in this area for success.

Te Tūranga/About The Role

As a Livestock Representative, you’ll work closely with farmers to build strong, long-term relationships. You’ll be stepping into a well-established territory with solid existing partnerships and a history of consistent service. This role is based in the greater South Otago area predominately servicing suppliers’ area the Owaka catchment. It's important for you to live in the region and have a good understanding of what is needed in this area for success. You'll manage the full livestock procurement process for Sheep, Beef, Dairy & Venison, from identifying supply and negotiating pricing, through to delivery, payment, and resolving any issues that arise. You'll also take the lead on livestock planning and supplier engagement, including sharing insights on market trends, emerging opportunities, and supporting product, programme and brand development. As a key member of our team, you’ll help secure quality stock, promote our procurement approach, and grow a reliable supplier network. You’ll also play an important role in identifying new suppliers and supporting practical strategies to grow the business—while working alongside producers to drive better outcomes on-farm. To find out more and meet a member of our team in this role, check out this youtube video; Silver Fern Farms Career Story - Garth Mitchell

Ōu Pūkenga/About You

You will bring a strong understanding of the livestock industry from previous experience, ideally with a strong store stock background. Along with the ability to build trusted relationships that add long-term value for suppliers and the business. Your experience will help you forecast supply, assess livestock quality, and manage procurement to align with market conditions and programme requirements. You’ll be someone who communicates clearly and professionally, provides timely support to suppliers, and understands the importance of compliance with assurance programmes and animal welfare standards.

You’ll Also Bring

• A strong grasp of livestock procurement, pricing, and transport coordination
• The ability to identify supply opportunities and turn insights into action
• A proactive approach to promoting our programmes, values, and brand in the region
• Confidence using digital tools and reporting systems to share insights and track outcomes
• A commitment to health and safety, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices

Te Ahurea /Why work at Silver Fern Farms?

Silver Fern Farms are all about Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs. Creating goodness is about taking a broader view of what goodness means, how we can create it and the impact it can have. That Goodness is created through the work of our People, the skill & expertise of our Farmers and our customers around the globe. ‘Goodness’ is also about being good to people and communities, animal welfare, and showing care and respect for the environment. For you, we offer discounted staff meat sales, paid sick leave from the date of employment (no waiting for the 6-month anniversary required), and confidential employee assistance with career planning, financial advice and counselling. Silver Fern Farms welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all team members and applicants. Come and create goodness together with us. You can see more about our commitments to our people and their work by visiting our Belong Here webpage: https://careers.silverfernfarms.com/nz/en/belong-here