At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a thriving dairy herd and lead daily farm operations.
- Company: Established family-run dairy farm in beautiful West Devon.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, housing included, ongoing training, and career progression.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for hands-on individuals looking to make an impact.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and grow into a senior management role.
- Qualifications: Experience in dairy herd management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: 5 miles south of Holsworthy, West Devon
An exciting opportunity has arisen on a well-established, family-run dairy farm in West Devon following the forthcoming retirement of a long-standing herd manager (21 years). This is a career-defining role, offering the chance to take responsibility for a highly-efficient dairy herd and, over time, transition into full farm management/equity share through a structured and supported succession plan.
The Farm
- 340-cow autumn block calving herd (tight 8-week block)
- Forage-based system, self-feed silage (maize and grass silage)
- Winter housed, paddock grazing when at grass
- 20/40 Westfalia parlour (C21)
- Cow Manager system with Uniform for herd data
- Three-way shedding gate
- Established family farm (since 1929)
The Role
Initially focused on day-to-day herd management, the successful candidate will:
- Lead and manage all aspects of the dairy herd to a high technical and welfare standard
- Take an active role in milking and day-to-day farm operations ("working manager")
- Work closely with vet, nutritionist, and advisors
- Maintain herd performance, health, fertility, and milk quality
- Manage and develop the farm team
Over time, the role will expand to include:
- Grassland and forage management
- Business performance, budgeting, and strategic input
- Full farm management responsibility as part of a planned succession process
Candidate Profile
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong experience in dairy herd management
- Demonstrates excellent stockmanship and attention to detail
- Is practical, hands-on, and leads by example
- Has the ambition and capability to progress into a senior management role
- Possesses good people management and communication skills
- Is keen to take on increasing responsibility over time
Package
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- 3-bedroom bungalow (central heating, council tax included)
- Ongoing training and development
- Genuine long-term progression opportunity.
For an informal discussion or to apply, please contact Henry Hare.
No overseas applicants without a work visa.
Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager in Holsworthy employer: LKL Services Ltd
Join a well-established, family-run dairy farm in the picturesque West Devon, where you will not only manage a highly-efficient dairy herd but also have the opportunity for genuine career progression through a structured succession plan. With a focus on employee development, competitive salary, and a supportive work culture, this role offers a unique chance to thrive in a hands-on environment while enjoying the benefits of living in a beautiful rural setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager in Holsworthy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the dairy farming community. Attend local agricultural events or join online forums. 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! If you’ve got experience in herd management, don’t just talk about it—demonstrate it. Consider volunteering or doing some freelance work on farms to build your portfolio and get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job postings to come to you. Reach out directly to farms you’re interested in. A friendly email or call can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm and commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows you’re serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to find your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager in Holsworthy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dairy Farming:When writing your application, let your love for dairy farming shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about managing a herd. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our family-run farm values.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in dairy herd management. We’re looking for someone with strong stockmanship skills, so include specific examples of your hands-on work and any achievements that demonstrate your capability in this area.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Mention how your skills and ambitions align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate a personal touch!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LKL Services Ltd
✨Know Your Herd
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of dairy herd management. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the farm's operations, such as their forage-based system and the Cow Manager system they use. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in dairy herd management in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've demonstrated excellent stockmanship and attention to detail. This is your chance to prove you can lead and manage a herd to high standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, think of examples where you've successfully led others. Discuss how you motivate your team and handle challenges. Showing that you can lead by example will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the farm's future plans and the succession process. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your ambition to grow within the company. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you’re thinking long-term.
