Dairy Herd Manager in London

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.

• 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% (or empty rate).
• Foot Trimming and Herd Health: Oversee regular foot trimming, lameness prevention and foot baths. Work with vets to maintain a comprehensive herd health plan. Maintain bi-weekly foot trimming records. Identify and treat lame cows promptly. Dairyland training preferred but not essential.
• Winter Housing: Ensure the team maintains clean yards, beds cubicles, and keeps water troughs and feed passages clean.
• Dairyland Initiative: Implement and promote sustainable farming practices in line with the Dairyland Initiative. Engage with the wider agricultural community to keep the farm at the forefront of industry best practices.
• Grassland Societies and Pride of Work: Represent the farm in local activities, promote knowledge sharing and maintain a tidy show farm for visitors.
• Veterinary Collaboration: Work with veterinary professionals to monitor herd health, ensure timely intervention and maintain health records. Ensure cows are vaccinated on schedule and coordinate staff assistance.
• Systems, Data and Compliance: Use Uniform Agri software daily for records, analysis and reporting. Ensure accurate completion of farm diaries (Vet & Med, AI, NMR). Apply Cow Signals principles and ROMS locomotion scoring to improve welfare and performance.
• Busy Times of Year: Be present during peak periods (April–June and August–December).

• Proven experience in dairy herd management with a strong background in all aspects of dairy farming.
• Expertise in artificial insemination, calf health, nutrition and foot trimming.
• Familiarity with grazing management, fertility, milking operations, and sustainable farming practices.
• Proficient in the use of Uniform Agri software.
• Training in Cow Signals and ROMS locomotion is essential.
• Excellent leadership and staff management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Please click on the APPLY NOW button. Please send your CV to Angel Bains - Recruitment Delivery Consultant. As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, ALL applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification relevant to the job.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. Only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. Your application will be treated in confidence and your personal details will not be passed to third parties without your prior permission.

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