Business Development Manager in Canterbury

Why Join Us

At eShepherd, we’re transforming livestock management with cutting edge virtual fencing technology that gives farmers more freedom, flexibility, and insight. Our mission is simple: make farming easier, more sustainable, and more productive - without compromise. We’re in a high‑growth phase, expanding our impact across sectors and regions. You’ll join a business where innovation moves quickly, decisions are made close to the action, and your ideas genuinely shape the future. What makes us different? We combine the pace and ambition of a scaling ag‑tech business with the backing of Gallagher, a trusted global leader for nearly 85 years. That means big opportunities, strong support, and technology farmers can rely on. Our purpose - Protect what matters most - runs through everything we do, from supporting farming communities to developing products that work in the real world.

Who Thrives Here

You’ll love it here if you:

• Prefer influence and impact over hierarchy
• Are credible at the farm gate and in the boardroom
• Enjoy ambiguity and shaping what comes next
• Respect farming communities and practical solutions
• Balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution
• Build trust through knowledge, not hard selling

What You’ll Do

As Business Development Manager – Dairy, you’ll be at the forefront of eShepherd’s in New Zealand, driving adoption of virtual fencing technology and building trusted relationships with farmers and industry leaders. Your deep understanding of dairy systems, farm economics, and the realities at farm gate will enable you to influence product direction and deliver commercial success. You’ll represent eShepherd at key industry events, provide actionable insights to our product teams, and forge strategic partnerships that shape the future of dairy farming.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and execute eShepherd’s dairy growth strategy in New Zealand
• Build trusted, on‑farm relationships with dairy farmers, consultants, and influencers
• Own senior, relationship‑based sales conversations - from pipeline to close
• Provide structured, real‑world insights to product and R&D teams to shape the dairy roadmap
• Build strategic partnerships with organisations such as DairyNZ, LIC, Fonterra, Pāmu, Ngāi Tahu, and rural banking networks

What You’ll Bring

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring significant experience and credibility within the New Zealand dairy industry, along with a strong commercial mindset and a passion for helping farmers succeed. Your background in rural banking, consultancy, agribusiness, or farm advisory will give you the confidence to engage at both farm level and with senior industry stakeholders. You’ll be comfortable working independently, influencing outcomes, and leveraging technology to drive better decisions and results.

You’ll stand out if you have:

• Deep understanding of dairy farm economics, pasture systems, and commercial viability
• A passion for delivering exceptional customer experience and outcomes
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and close complex, relationship‑led sales
• Strong communication, networking, and strategic thinking skills
• Curiosity and confidence with technology and data‑driven decision‑making
• Experience engaging across all levels - from on‑farm to industry leaders
• An ability to flex and adapt quickly
• A deep desire to leave your stamp on the industry through positive impact
• Experience in a start‑up environment preferred

Bonus if you have:

• Experience with ag‑tech, SaaS, or emerging technology
• Knowledge of beef farming systems as well as dairy

Benefits We Offer

At eShepherd, we’re committed to supporting your success and wellbeing as you help shape the future of ag‑tech in New Zealand. You’ll enjoy the excitement of a high‑growth business backed by Gallagher’s stability, along with opportunities to develop your career and make a real impact in the field. Our team culture is collaborative and supportive, and we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives
• Career growth opportunities as we scale globally
• Tools and technology to support your success in the field
• Supportive, collaborative team culture
• KiwiSaver contributions, staff discounts, and wellbeing initiatives (including EAP, Boost App, and insurance)

Don’t quite tick all the boxes? We know that great talent comes in many forms. If you’re excited about this role and believe you can make an impact - even if your experience doesn’t tick every box - we’d love to hear from you. Your unique perspective could be exactly what we need!

Love what we’re building but this role isn’t quite your match? Join our talent pool! We’re scaling fast and new opportunities are always emerging - your skills could be exactly what we need next!

Start the year strong - shortlisting for this role begins in the New Year. Submit your application and we’ll be in touch mid‑January 2026.