Farm Manager | River Gold Dairies Ltd in Canterbury

This is a genuine opportunity to lead a large-scale dairy business backed by supportive owners.

River Gold Dairies milks 1500 cows on a 450ha property at Leeston, supported by a nearby 100ha support block. We’re a stone’s throw from Christchurch offering a great lifestyle with schools, ski fields, mountains and the ocean on our doorstep. The farm is part of a larger family-owned group which includes 4 dairy farms. Our scale and structure empower our farm managers to share resources and expertise, and we provide supported growth and development opportunities.

With a strong focus on family values, at River Gold Dairies the focus is on doing the basics exceptionally well — animal care, feed management, farm presentation, safe work— while consistently achieving high quality milk production (750,000kg/ms/pa). With a commitment to continuous improvement and leveraging technology to improve outcomes for cows and people, we’re building a brand new, state-of-the-art 80 bale rotary shed (completion due December 2026).

The Role: Milking 1500 cows, through a 50-bail rotary shed supported by Protrack, ACRs and in-shed feeding, you’ll be responsible for leading a team of 5 full time employees and relief staff when required. Seasonal calf rearers provide extra support during Spring. The farm has good infrastructure including staff accommodation and large calf sheds and is fully irrigated. We use technology to improve efficiency and to enable quality decision making, including full Halter technology including rumination and grazing data. We have a 100ha support runoff block close by which you’ll manage. This role offers a great opportunity for a capable farm manager to take ownership of the physical and financial performance of the farm. You’ll be directly supported by Farm Owners, a General Manager and farm team who share our strong family values. You’ll also benefit from a favourable roster which enables work/life balance.

To succeed in this role you will:

• Demonstrate top cows, grass and animal health skills and the ability to deliver excellent farm production and best practice management;
• Have the ability to accurately record and report key information in applications including FarmMAX DSM, Agrinet, MINDA and NAIT and use this information to make informed quality decision making;
• Have strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high quality milk;
• Have experience motivating, leading and developing people;
• Bring self-awareness and a focus on building successful relationships including through clear and proactive communication and a “no surprises” approach;
• Be focused on leveraging technology to improve efficiency and quality;
• Demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and wellbeing through your personal leadership (we operate a drug and alcohol-free workplace).

This is an exciting opportunity in a great location with infrastructure that sets you up for success. A four-bedroom home is available with school bus to both primary and high schools.

If you have the passion and skills for this role, submit your resume and cover letter by email. Applications close on Friday 6th February 2026 but applications will be considered as they are received, so don’t delay.