Dairy Herd Manager in Exmouth

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 being trained 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.

Location: 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, etc. Train, mentor and motivate staff, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and farm operations. Lead by example, communicate clearly through farm messaging platforms, and use data to drive team performance. 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 yield improvements. Review, reset and implement robust milking protocols; coordinate with biosecurity and compliance requirements.
• Grazing Management: Support planning and management of grazing schedules to optimise pasture use and animal nutrition. Monitor grass growth and quality, adjust plans as required. Provide weekly paddock management sheets and coordinate with tractor operators on mowing and slurry application. Record plate meter readings regularly.
• Calf Health And Nutrition: Manage calf rearing practices to ensure health, growth and welfare. Implement and monitor feeding programs. Manage cow colostrum with experience of storing, thawing and testing calf colostrum quality is advantageous. Monthly weighing and recording of weights to meet soil association and milk supplier contracts. Drive low calf mortality and improve weights.
• Artificial Insemination: Lead AI programmes and procedures to ensure optimal breeding success and genetic improvement. Coordinate with external providers to ensure staff cover during shortages. Aim for a strong submission rate (>75%), heat detection, and a pregnancy rate near 30% with an 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. Record and coordinate foot trimming visits bi-weekly. Identify and lift lame cows promptly. Dairyland-trained trimming is preferred but not essential.
• Winter Housing: Ensure the team maintains clean yards, bedded cubicles, and regular cleaning of water troughs and feed passageways.
• 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, Networking And Pride Of Work: Represent the farm in local farm walks, share knowledge, and focus on staff engagement. Maintain a "show farm pride" mentality for visitor visits.
• Veterinary Collaboration: Work with veterinary professionals to monitor and maintain herd health, ensure timely intervention and treatment, and maintain detailed health records. Ensure annual vaccination timing and coordinate staff to assist.
• Systems, Data And Compliance: Use Uniform Agri software daily for herd management records, analysis and reporting. Complete all farm diaries (Vet & Med, AI, NMR) accurately. Apply Cow Signals principles and ROMS locomotion scoring to improve welfare and performance.
• Busy Times Of Year: Be present during the busiest 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.

How To Apply: 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, we do require that ALL applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification which is relevant and necessary for the job that you are applying for.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, please be advised that only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. Please be assured that your job application will be managed in complete confidence and your personal details will not be passed to any third party without your prior permission.