Dairy Farm Job in New Zealand — Westacombe Ltd is seeking a Farm Manager for its established sheep, beef, and dairy-grazing business in South Canterbury. The role involves managing livestock, pasture, breeding, animal health, staff, contractors, machinery, budgets, records, and farm operations. The position suits an experienced Farm Manager, Stock Manager, or 2IC ready to step up. It offers competitive remuneration, a modern family home, working-dog support, on-farm benefits, and professional development.
Farm Manager – South Canterbury
Lead the day-to-day. Shape the future. Make your mark.
Westacombe Ltd is seeking a capable and motivated Farm Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our established South Canterbury sheep, beef and dairy-grazing business.
Operating across approximately 1,500 effective hectares of rolling downs and hill country and carrying around 10,000 stock units, Westacombe offers genuine scale, variety and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
This role would suit an experienced Farm Manager or a capable Stock Manager or 2IC ready to step up into farm management.
The Role
Reporting to the owners, who work externally, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the farming operation, including:
- Livestock management and achievement of animal-performance targets.
- Pasture management, feed budgeting and seasonal grazing plans.
- Planning and implementing breeding, finishing and animal-health programmes.
- Leading and coordinating permanent and casual farm staff.
- Managing contractors, machinery and farm infrastructure, including planning and prioritising maintenance, repairs and property improvements.
- Maintaining strong health and safety, animal-welfare and compliance standards.
- Monitoring expenditure against agreed budgets and making practical, cost-conscious decisions.
- Maintaining accurate farm records and providing regular reporting on progress, performance, emerging risks and opportunities.
You will have appropriate autonomy over day-to-day farming decisions within agreed farm plans, budgets and business priorities. The owners provide clear strategic direction and value initiative, open communication and practical solutions.
About You
You will be a skilled stockperson with sound pasture and feed-management capability. You will enjoy planning ahead, leading others and taking ownership of results.
Ideally, You Will Bring
- Strong sheep and beef experience.
- Dairy-grazing experience or an interest in developing it.
- Experience as a Stock Manager, 2IC or Farm Manager.
- A capable team of working dogs.
- Strong organisation, communication and record-keeping skills.
- A proactive approach to maintenance, farm presentation and continuous property improvement.
- Sound judgement, initiative and commercial awareness.
- A positive attitude and commitment to being part of a high-performing team.
Most importantly, you will be dependable, motivated and ready to take responsibility for moving the farming operation forward.
What We Offer
- A genuine farm-management opportunity with meaningful responsibility.
- Competitive remuneration.
- A modern, warm family home.
- Support for an appropriate team of working dogs.
- On-farm benefits.
- A property conveniently located near a school-bus route and approximately 30 minutes from town.
- Support and professional development for someone looking to grow into the role.
If you are ready to step up, take ownership and make your mark within a substantial South Canterbury farming business, we would like to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and a brief covering letter to ••••@outlook.com
Employer Questions
Your application will include the following questions:
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
- How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
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