National Field Operations Manager

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC); Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle for work and private use

Extra leave days

Discounted health, life, income and PD

Wellbeing discounts

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

LIC is seeking a National Field Operations Manager (Herd Testing) to lead the nationwide delivery of Herd Testing services through Depot and Team Leader networks. You will shape field operations to be safer, more consistent, and efficient, while maintaining a practical on-farm focus for farmers across New Zealand.

You will influence strategy as part of the Herd Testing Leadership Team, build capability, and drive continuous improvement in a complex national operation.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex, multi-site or geographically dispersed operations.
• Strong track record of improving consistency and performance across teams.
• Proven ability to lead through leaders and build high-performing teams.
• Ability to translate strategy into sustained operational execution.
• Analytical and decisive, using data to drive priorities.
• Experience in regulated or standards-based environments.
• Strong commercial acumen and resource planning capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead nationwide delivery of Herd Testing field and depot operations.
• Manage Depot and Team Leaders to ensure alignment and consistent execution.
• Drive standardisation of field methods across New Zealand.
• Collaborate with Field Operations Technical Manager to implement agreed ways of working.
• Champion safer-by-design approaches to reduce risk and strain.
• Oversee national resources, including people, assets and fleet, against targets.
• Use data to identify risks and opportunities and drive improvements.
• Partner with LIC teams to deliver integrated outcomes for customers.

Skills

Operational leadership

Multi-site operations

Change management

Strategic execution

Data-driven decisions

Regulated environments

Budget management

Team leadership

Job description

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that’s been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand’s dairy sector for more than 115 years. We’re focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on‑farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.

As a proud generational co‑operative, we’re here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.

About The Role

Lead one of New Zealand's largest field‑based operations and play a key role in shaping the future of Herd Testing at LIC.

As National Field Operations Manager (Herd Testing), you’ll lead the nationwide delivery of Herd Testing services through our Depot and Team Leader network, ensuring operations are safe, consistent, efficient, and customer‑focused.

You’ll lead the continued evolution of Herd Testing field operations toward a more nationally consistent, standardised, and systemised way of working, while retaining the practical field focus needed to deliver for farmers every day.

As a member of the Herd Testing Leadership Team, you’ll influence strategy, build operational capability, and lead continuous improvement across a complex national operation.

Please note: This role is based in Hamilton; we are advertising in other locations as we are also open to Hybrid working.

Your Key Focus

In this role, you’ll:

• Lead the nationwide delivery of Herd Testing field and depot operations.
• Lead through Depot and Team Leaders, building capability, alignment, accountability, and consistent execution across geographically dispersed teams.
• Drive greater consistency and standardisation of field methods and operating practices across New Zealand.
• Partner with the Field Operations Technical Manager to implement and sustain agreed ways of working.
• Champion safer‑by‑design approaches that reduce risk and physical strain through better work methods and equipment.
• Manage national operational resources, including people, assets, and fleet, and deliver against operational and financial targets.
• Use data and operational insight to identify risks, opportunities, and improvement priorities, and drive better operational outcomes.
• Work across Herd Testing and partner with wider LIC teams to deliver integrated outcomes for our customers.
• Contribute to the strategic direction and future development of Herd Testing as a member of the leadership team.

Your Skills & Experience

We’re looking for a proven operational leader who can bring people, processes, and performance together at a national level.

You’ll Bring

• Experience leading complex, multi‑site, or geographically dispersed operations.
• A strong track record of improving consistency, operational performance, and ways of working across multiple teams or locations.
• Proven success leading through leaders and building capable, accountable, high‑performing teams.
• The ability to translate strategy, standards, and organisational priorities into sustained operational execution.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making capability, with the ability to use data and operational insight to identify priorities and drive improvement.
• Experience working within regulated, standards‑based, or highly structured operating environments.
• Strong commercial acumen, resource planning, and budget management capability.

In Return

In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll receive extra leave days, flexible working options, discounted health, life, income and disability insurances, wellbeing discounts, a vehicle for work and private use, an employee assistance programme, plus more!

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally significant operation that supports thousands of New Zealand dairy farmers. You’ll have the scale, influence, and support to drive meaningful change, improve operational performance, and help shape the future of Herd Testing across the country.