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). Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
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)
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
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
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- 3-bedroom bungalow (central heating, council tax included)
- Ongoing training and development
- Genuine long-term progression opportunity.
Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager employer: LKL Services Ltd
Join a well-established, family-run dairy farm in 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 picturesque rural setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager
✨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 where you can connect with others in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! If you get the chance, visit the farm before applying. This gives you a feel for the place and shows your genuine interest. Plus, it’s a great way to make a memorable first impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat! When you land that interview, come prepared with questions about the herd management practices and the team dynamics. It shows you’re serious about the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest vacancies listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace Working Dairy Herd/Farm Manager
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 who knows their stuff, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in stockmanship, health management, and any hands-on roles you've had. This is your chance to impress us!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application specifically for this role. Mention how your background fits with our farm's operations and goals. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly. Plus, you can check out more about us and our current vacancies while you're there!
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 successfully managed herd health, fertility, or milk quality. This will help demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, think of examples where you've led by example or improved team performance. Share how you communicate effectively with team members and how you handle challenges, as this will be crucial for the farm's success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the farm's future plans, the succession process, and how they support ongoing training and development. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in growing with the farm.
