At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing a modern dairy farm and ensure herd health and productivity.
- Company: Progressive dairy farm in County Durham with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free accommodation, and a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact in dairy farming.
- Qualifications: Experience in dairy management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a forward-thinking environment.
Herdsperson / Dairy Farm Manager
Herdsperson / Dairy Farm Manager(Progression Role) – County Durham- £45,000 DOE + Accommodation Free 3-bedroom on-farm accommodation (including rent and council tax)
The Job:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Herdsperson with the ambition to progress into a Dairy Farm Manager position. This is an excellent opportunity to step into a leadership role, taking responsibility for the daily running and long-term success of a modern, progressive dairy unit.
The herd consists of 800+ Holsteins, milked through a 30:60 DeLaval swing-over parlour with cluster flush, operating twice daily with all-year-round calving. You will be responsible for overseeing a team of 7-8 staff and ensuring the smooth, efficient, and profitable operation of the farm.
Key Responsibilities:
– Lead and motivate a team of 7-8 milking staff, setting high standards by example
– Manage herd health, fertility, and productivity, liaising with vets, nutritionists and consultants
– Oversee milking routines, protocols, and daily herd management
– Input and analyse herd performance data (Uniform Agri), ensuring accurate record keeping
– Maintain compliance with industry standards and assurance schemes
– Take a proactive role in long-term farm strategy and herd improvement
– Contribute to decision-making with senior leadership
The Candidate:
– Proven experience in dairy herd management
– Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team
– Attention to detail and proactive in herd health and welfare
– Organised and confident in data recording and analysis
– Enthusiastic, reliable, and committed to continuous improvement
– AI certification and experience in breeding programmes (preferred but not essential)
– Foot trimming qualifications or experience (preferred but not essential)
The Package:
– Competitive salary (circa £40,000 – £45,000, DOE, flexible for the right candidate)
– Free 3-bedroom on-farm accommodation (including rent and council tax)
– Regular time off and a good work-life balance
– The chance to progress into a senior management role in a modern, forward-thinking dairy business
Please email your CV to Grace Hartwell, Senior Delivery Recruitment Consultant, .
Keep up-to-date with the latest opportunities from Agricultural Recruitment Specialists by registering on our website: and following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. As a leading and esteemed recruitment agency specialising in the agriculture, food, horticulture, equestrian, animal health and rural sectors, Agricultural Recruitment Specialists prioritise roles across sales, management, marketing, operations and technical and engineering fields, including international and senior-level positions within our specialised sectors. Our suite of services encompasses bespoke recruitment solutions, executive search, candidate profiling, knowledge sharing, targeted advertising and comprehensive recruitment support. To discover how we can assist in advancing your career or meeting your recruitment needs, please visit or contact our recruitment team on or on our international number: . We are renowned for connecting the finest talent throughout the world with the best brands and organisations.
Herdsperson / Dairy Farm Manager (Progression Role) - County Durham- £45,000 DOE + Accommodation employer: Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd
Contact Detail:
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Herdsperson / Dairy Farm Manager (Progression Role) - County Durham- £45,000 DOE + Accommodation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the dairy farming community, attend local agricultural events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience with herd management and team leadership. Bring examples of how you've improved productivity or herd health – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or recruiter. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in dairy farming and herd management. Whether it's through online courses or industry publications, showing that you're committed to continuous improvement can really impress potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Herdsperson / Dairy Farm Manager (Progression Role) - County Durham- £45,000 DOE + Accommodation
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 progressive team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Herdsperson role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing teams and herd health. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd
✨Know Your Herd
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of dairy herd management. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of managing a large herd like the 800+ Holsteins mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with herd health, fertility, and productivity, as well as any relevant data analysis you've done.
✨Show Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities, so think of examples from your past where you successfully led a team. Prepare to share how you motivated staff, set high standards, and contributed to a positive work environment. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the job involves inputting and analysing herd performance data, be prepared to discuss your experience with data management tools like Uniform Agri. Bring examples of how you've used data to improve herd performance or make informed decisions in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the farm's long-term strategy and herd improvement plans. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role but also gives you a better understanding of what will be expected of you as a Dairy Farm Manager.