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- Tasks: Lead and manage an organic dairy operation, focusing on herd health and staff leadership.
- Company: Established mixed farming business with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation available, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in regenerative farming while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in dairy herd management and proficiency in Uniform Agri software required.
- Other info: Two positions available in North West England and East Anglia.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Dairy Herd Manager to lead and manage an organic, regenerative dairy operation. The Dairy Herd Manager will support in overseeing the day-to-day management of the herd, with a strong focus on staff leadership, herd health and fertility, milking operations and grazing management.
The successful Dairy Herd Manager will bring expertise in calf health, nutrition, artificial insemination, foot trimming and data-driven decision-making. Proficiency in Uniform Agri software is essential, alongside training in Cow Signals and ROMS locomotion, to ensure optimal herd performance and welfare.
As Dairy Herd Manager, you will work closely with vets, foot trimmers, nutritionists and specialist suppliers, building a strong support team network. Leading by example, driving team engagement with strong communication, and using data to meet estate-wide targets and objectives will be central to this role.
There are X2 positions available in different locations – one based in North West England and one based in the East Anglia Region.
Salary Package: £40,000 - £45,000 basic salary depending on skills and experience + accommodation available + benefits.
Key Responsibilities- Cleanliness and Pride: Maintain a "show farm" standard across the dairy unit, reflecting frequent public visits and events. Ensure the farm is consistently tidy, well-presented and professionally managed.
- Staff Management: Manage and organise staff rotas to ensure efficient daily and seasonal dairy operations, covering all aspects of herd management, including milking, feeding, routine tasks. Train, mentor and motivate staff, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and farm operations. Lead by example with clear communication and data-driven performance management. Develop, update and implement clear protocols and procedures to structure workloads and accountability.
- Milking Operations: Lead and oversee all milking operations, ensuring procedures are followed to maintain milk quality and herd health. Set and achieve targets for milk quality and yields. Review and implement robust milking protocols; coordinate with engineers/contractors to resolve parlour, tank or refrigeration issues.
- Grazing Management: Support planning and management of grazing schedules to optimise pasture use and animal nutrition. Monitor grass growth and quality, provide weekly paddock management updates, and coordinate with tractor operators. Record plate meter readings as required.
- Calf Health and Nutrition: Manage calf rearing practices, ensuring health, growth and welfare of youngstock. Implement and monitor feeding programs. Manage cow colostrum with experience in storage, thawing and testing being an advantage. Monthly weighing and weight recording to meet contracts. Aim to reduce calf mortality and improve weights.
- Artificial Insemination: Lead AI programmes and procedures to ensure breeding success and genetic improvement. Coordinate with external providers for staff cover during shortages. Target a strong submission rate (>75%), heat detection, and a pregnancy rate close to 30%.
Dairy Herd Manager employer: Agricultural and Farming Jobs Agency
Contact Detail:
Agricultural and Farming Jobs Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dairy Herd Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the dairy industry, attend local farming events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got experience with herd management software like Uniform Agri, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring it up during interviews or networking chats to demonstrate your expertise and stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their approach to organic and regenerative farming, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you answer questions confidently and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications this way!
We think you need these skills to ace Dairy Herd Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for dairy farming shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in herd management and how you can contribute to our organic, regenerative practices.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Dairy Herd Manager role. Highlight your experience with herd management software like Uniform Agri, and any relevant training you've had. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the important bits!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural and Farming Jobs Agency
✨Know Your Herd Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of herd management practices, especially around calf health, nutrition, and artificial insemination. Be ready to discuss your experience with Uniform Agri software and how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As a Dairy Herd Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your people management skills. Prepare examples of how you've trained and motivated staff in the past, and be ready to talk about how you handle communication and conflict within a team.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
This role requires maintaining high standards across the dairy unit. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured cleanliness and quality in previous positions. Share specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in herd health or milk quality.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about milking operations, grazing management, and calf rearing practices. Brush up on the latest techniques and protocols, and be ready to explain how you would implement them in this new role. Showing that you're up-to-date with industry standards will impress your interviewers.
