• Newly established role within a modern, large-scale operation.
• Located in the rural district of Omakere, Central Hawke’s Bay.
• Take advantage of the mentoring and support offered by the FAB.

WHERE

Knobloch Farming Limited is a family-owned farming business located in the rural district of Omakere, 15 minutes east of Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay. Comprising a total 2000ha and 1875ha effective, the farm is made up of five contiguous properties, with a mix of flat to medium hill country. The business is run as a single enterprise breeding, store and finishing operation (season dependent), currently running sheep, beef and deer with a cropping component.

Recently, the family appointed a Farm Advisory Board (FAB) to provide support and strategic advice. This large-scale operation has great potential with numerous gains to be made within this farming business. The family view the property as a long-term investment and are supportive of improvements. Their vision for Knobloch Farming Limited, along with the FAB, is to continue to develop this property over time and fine tune the policies to achieve aspirations of a top 10% farming business. 

WHAT

The FAB seek to appoint a Farm Business Manager to this newly established role within Knobloch Farming Limited. They will join this modern, well-resourced business and be motivated to drive the large-scale farming operation to the next level and take advantage of the mentoring and support on offer.

The appointee will be a practical, hands-on person with a proven track record and a strong understanding of how to drive animal performance and business profitability. They will be responsible for the implementation of the farm business plan and sustainable operation of Knobloch Farming Limited, as agreed with the FAB. The ability to manage positive relationships with all stakeholders involved in this business is a key performance area.

The key areas of responsibility include Business Planning and Financial Management; People Management; Stock and Operational Management, Pasture and Crop Management, Asset Management (Plant and Property); Health & Safety; Compliance and Risk Management.

The Farm Business Manager will be fully supported by the FAB to successfully achieve the agreed policies and farm goals. Initially, there will be monthly meetings with a view to quickly progress to quarterly farm meetings. The ideal person will be looking to take ownership of this role and should contribute and bring ideas to the table.

To read more about the position and farm layout/business structure please visit – https://bit.ly/49FvBPT

WHO

Along with a positive approach, excellent communication skills, strong planning and organisational abilities, this role requires a Farm Business Manager who can inspire the team and lead from the front with a team of working dogs under good control. The following are also key to success in this role:

• Previous farm management experience, ideally at larger scale.
• Proven staff management and leadership experience.
• Involvement in business planning and stock policy reviews.
• A sound understanding of industry policies, standards and regulations.
• High level of numeracy and verbal reasoning ability to fulfil recording, monitoring and monthly reporting requirements.
• Suitable tertiary level qualification is highly desired.
• Relevant knowledge of developments in farming and the agricultural sector.
• Technical capability with farm information systems and software.
• Financial acumen (input to budgets/expenditure, P&L and balance sheets).
• Highly organised and able to deal with multiple priorities with urgency and accuracy.
• Capable team of working dogs.

WHY

• The potential to be one of the most sought-after management roles in Hawke’s Bay.
• Great support systems in place with a FAB willing to pass on knowledge and upskill their employees.
• Chance to manage a large-scale operation with a lovely balance of contour.
• Leadership role working within an inclusive farm team, where you and your staff can develop and progress your careers. 
• Be part of the journey to take the farm into the top 10%.
• Located in a thriving rural community with good schooling options nearby and within Hawke’s Bay.
• Utilisation of modern technologies and systems within the business. 
• Offers a brand-new 3-bedroom family home with an office and double garage. There are excellent views across the property from this home that has never been lived in.

HOW

• To apply for this role, please hit the APPLY button
• For further information on this role please visit https://bit.ly/49FvBPT
• For a confidential chat give the Rural Directions team a call on 06 871 0450

Applications close Sunday 12th January 2025

Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.