Permanent | Newstead (Hamilton) or Lincoln

At DairyNZ, our purpose is to deliver a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming.

Science sits at the heart of that future. As environmental expectations continue to evolve, farmers need practical, credible science that helps them make confident decisions while improving environmental outcomes.

We're looking for an exceptional scientific leader to lead DairyNZ's nationally recognised Water Quality Science portfolio, working at the intersection of science, farm systems and farmer outcomes to shape the future of sustainable dairy farming.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of water quality science for New Zealand dairy farming while leading a talented team focused on delivering practical, credible science that improves outcomes for farmers and the environment.

Why this role?

This isn't a traditional science management role.

We're looking for someone who can balance strategic leadership with remaining scientifically credible and connected to the work. You'll continue to contribute to important science programmes while creating the environment for others to do their best work.

You'll work closely with farmers to understand the challenges they're facing, translate those into meaningful research priorities and ensure our science delivers practical outcomes on farm. Working collaboratively across DairyNZ's Research & Science team, you'll integrate water quality science with farm systems, animal science, forage science and other disciplines to solve complex challenges facing dairy farmers.

You'll also play a key role as a member of our Research & Science Leadership Team, helping shape the future direction of one of New Zealand's largest agricultural science organisations.

Beyond DairyNZ, you'll build trusted relationships with research organisations, regulators, government agencies, iwi, industry partners and funding organisations, helping shape research priorities, influence environmental policy and ensure DairyNZ's science continues to deliver meaningful impact for farmers and the wider sector.

Why this opportunity is unique

This is more than a science leadership role.

You'll lead nationally important water quality science while remaining scientifically active, working alongside leading researchers and directly with farmers to solve real-world challenges.

You'll influence research priorities, environmental policy, strategic investment and industry partnerships, ensuring science informs decision-making and is translated into practical outcomes that improve both environmental performance and farm business success.

It's an opportunity to shape not only DairyNZ's science, but also the future direction of New Zealand dairy farming through collaboration, influence and practical, farmer-focused science.

What you'll bring

You'll be an experienced scientific leader who combines technical excellence with strategic thinking, outstanding people leadership and the ability to influence beyond the science itself.

You'll likely have:

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience leading scientific teams, programmes or research portfolios.
• A track record of delivering high-quality, influential science.
• Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience influencing government, regulators, research organisations or industry through trusted scientific advice and partnerships.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with farmers and stakeholders, translating complex science into practical solutions and influencing future research priorities.

Knowledge of New Zealand dairy farming systems, freshwater science or water quality management will be highly regarded.

Why DairyNZ?

At DairyNZ you'll work alongside some of New Zealand's leading scientists and sector experts, tackling nationally significant challenges that make a real difference for dairy farmers. You'll have the opportunity to influence the future direction of water quality science, shape environmental thinking across the dairy sector, and help ensure science delivers practical, measurable impact on farm.

We offer flexible working, excellent professional development and the opportunity to help shape the future of sustainable dairy farming.

Location: Newstead (Hamilton) or Lincoln Position: Permanent, full-time

Ready to make an impact? We'd love to hear from you.

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 5 August 2026 at 11:55pm