Senior Area Manager x2 

Upper South Island 

Permanent, Full Time  

DairyNZ’s story 

Progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming 

Te whanake anamata angitu mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa 

We are full of people who have a passion for doing good and creating positive change. We leverage our collective strength by bringing the dairy sector together, helping farmers build more sustainable, profitable and resilient farm businesses, because a strong dairy sector means a strong New Zealand.  

Your opportunity  

We have two Senior Area Manager roles available in our Upper South Island Team. One is working remotely covering North Canterbury and Top of the South and the other in based in Lincoln covering central Canterbury. These are both key leadership role within our regional team. In these roles you will provide technical expertise in farm systems, strengthen partnerships, and influence positive change across the dairy sector. Working closely with farmers, industry partners, and stakeholders, you’ll lead initiatives that deliver real impact. 

These roles also support the Regional Manager in operational leadership, guiding a high-performing team to deliver DairyNZ’s strategic programmes. From shaping regional plans to hosting large-scale events, this role offers variety, challenge, and the chance to make a tangible difference. 

What You’ll Do 

Reporting to the Upper South Island Regional Manager, alongside your team you will work with the farmers, stakeholders and partners to deliver a regional plan based on our programmes, including: 

• Leadership through strong delivery and role modelling 

• Support farmers to improve practices using a farm systems approach 

• Organise and facilitate impactful events 

• Build and maintain influential stakeholder relationships 

• Understand farmer needs and connect them with industry solutions 

About you  

You’re passionate about the dairy sector and thrive on creating real-world solutions. Ideally, you hold a degree in Agriculture, Commerce, or Science, and bring: 

• Practical NZ dairy farming experience. 

• Strong farm systems knowledge and ability to “connect the dots.” 

• Proven ability to influence practice change and deliver solutions. 

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills. 

• High energy, integrity, and a collaborative mindset. 

• Experience in agribusiness sales, or in adoption/extension  

• Already established strong relationships with farmers  

• High level ability in facilitation, communication and presentation  

• Ability to travel within the Upper South Island Region  

Why you should join us 

Make a difference - Together with our farmers, help us drive positive progress for the sector and country we love. Our credible work supports a sustainable future for farmers, the environment and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Bring the whole you - We put people at the heart of what we do. We welcome all that you are and support your wellbeing, so you thrive personally and professionally. 

Join a vibrant culture - Be part of a team that truly believes in our values. We have the courage to take bold action and the curiosity to drive innovation. Our credibility shines in our evidence-based work and our connectedness builds meaningful, collaborative relationships. 

Empowering you - We succeed when you do, which is why we champion the development and growth of our people. We empower you to do and be at your best through learning opportunities and great benefits. 

Ready to lead and grow with us? 

Apply now and be part of a team shaping the future of dairy farming. 

Check out the full position description here to read more detail. Applications close 17 March 2026

Please note: You must have valid working rights in New Zealand to be considered for this position.