WHERE

Te Hou Farms Limited is a large-scale dairy farming business located 15km west of Bulls in the Rangitikei District. The ownership is shared between Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa Developments (two-thirds) and Ātihau Whanganui Incorporation (one-third).

The farm comprises 1,324 hectares across two adjoining properties, including a 530ha irrigated dairy unit and the remainder used for cropping and drystock. Operating as a closed farming system, the business milks 1,650 cows at peak with split calving. Cows calve on the 900ha drystock unit before returning to the dairy platform.

WHAT

Te Hou Farms Limited is a progressive dairy farming operation, seeking a motivated individual to step into the Unit Manager role.

Te Hou is a high performing dairy unit, and the successful candidate must have 7 years in the dairy industry with 2 of these years in a previous large scale 2IC or management role. Working closely with the Operations Manager, you will support the daily operations of a large-scale, high-performing dairy unit, while building the knowledge and experience required to fulfil this position. This is a hands-on role where you will gain exposure to all aspects of dairy management, including stock performance, animal health, pasture and feed systems, and irrigation. With 75% of the farm under irrigation, you must have previous experience with pivot irrigation and a strong focus on cow intake, you’ll work alongside a nutritionist and the Operations Manager to ensure consistent production outcomes.

From time to time, your responsibilities will extend to the drystock block, including staff supervision when directed by the Operations Manager. Staff management is a key focus, and you’ll be encouraged to develop supportive leadership and mentoring skills to get the best from your team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking personal and professional growth, while contributing to the ongoing success of a progressive farming business. During the Operations Manager’s absence the role will include full management and oversight of the dairy unit.

To read more about the position and farm layout please visit – https://bit.ly/4pCpnqm

WHO

Our client is looking for a Unit Manager with proven farming experience, strong leadership skills, and a genuine passion for high-performing dairy operations. The below are also key to success in this role:

• Must have largescale dairy farming experience with a degree of responsibility.
• Good understanding of shed management and hygiene standards.
• A minimum of seven years’ experience on NZ dairy farms is required with two of them in a previous large scale 2IC or management roles. A high level of stockmanship and animal health identification and management.
• Strong level of pasture/feed management as the farm is performing at a high level of production and there is a focus on cow/feed intake.
• Must have irrigation experience and an understanding of pivots.
• Must have staff management experience and good leadership and mentoring skills.

WHY

• Work on a well-developed farming operation with very good infrastructure, where the owners have taken a lot of pride in the development of this business - aesthetically it is a pleasing place to work.
• A well-resourced and high-tech farming operation.
• Work alongside the Operations Manager who is keen to help you progress within the dairy industry.
• The farming business is located in the Rangitikei area, close to Palmerston North.
• Accommodation is a well-maintained, fully fenced 4-bedroom family home, renovated just four years ago. It features a modern kitchen, heat pump, and free-standing fire for year-round comfort.
• The owners are committed to continuous improvement and place high value on having the right people in their business.

HOW

• To apply for this role, please hit the APPLY button
• For further information on this role please visit https://bit.ly/4pCpnqm
• For a confidential chat give the Rural Directions team a call on 06 871 0450

Applications close Sunday 1st February 2026

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