Location: Scott Farm, Newstead Farms
Role Type: Full-time
Career Level: People Leader
Reports To: Operations Manager
Direct Reports: Approx. 5

DairyNZ is dedicated to progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming and ensuring the levy is the best investment farmers can make. We work alongside farmers, researchers, and industry partners to create meaningful, lasting change.

We are now seeking a skilled Farm Manager to join our team and lead the day-to-day operations of one of our DairyNZ research farms.

This role comes with a competitive remuneration package including accommodation.

About the Role

As the Farm Manager, you will be responsible for delivering farm performance goals across production, feed, environment, machinery, and people. You will ensure high standards of animal care, maintain accurate farm and research records, and support the implementation of research trials and field projects.

This role blends operational farm leadership with the exciting opportunity to contribute directly to New Zealand’s leading dairy research.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Operations

• Ensure all animals receive high-quality care and welfare
• Maintain accurate animal records (numbers, breeding, weights, milk production)
• Manage day-to-day operations including milking, calf rearing, stock movement, and farm maintenance
• Maintain full compliance with Health, Safety & Wellbeing legislation
• Ensure a safe and well-functioning environment for staff and contractors

Research Support

• Work with the Units Manager, Technical Team Leaders, and Scientists to deliver research projects
• Help establish, plan, and operate field trials
• Implement research protocols and record high-quality data
• Support animal and pasture-based research activities, including sampling, dosing, weighing and pasture assessments

People Leadership

• Lead, develop, and support a team of 5 farm staff
• Build a strong team culture aligned with DairyNZ values: Connection, Curiosity, Courage & Credibility
• Provide coaching, capability development, and performance support
• Communicate goals and expectations clearly and consistently

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Previous dairy farming experience at 2IC or higher
• Strong relationship management skills
• Confident communicator who can adapt style and bring others along
• Experience coaching or supporting staff
• Ability to work effectively with technical, scientific, and operational teams
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards

Preferred

• Experience managing small teams
• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Exposure to dairy research or research farm systems

Why DairyNZ?

At DairyNZ, you will be part of a national organisation that genuinely values innovation, collaboration, and improving the future of farming. You'll enjoy:

• Working alongside leading scientists and farm specialists
• Opportunities for professional growth
• A supportive team environment
• A role where your work contributes to sector-wide knowledge and improvement
  

Sound good to you? Come join our team who together, are making a difference. 

Check out the full position description here to read more detail. Applications close 23rd April 2026 at 11:55pm