Seeking a motivated Stock Manager to lead from the front on a well-resourced, large-scale farming operation.

• Located on State Highway 5, approximately 25 minutes south of Taupō.
• Committed to investing in their people through ongoing training and development.
• Work in a supportive team environment focused on learning and shared success.

Your Future Workplace

Rimanui Farms Limited is a large-scale farming business with sheep, beef, and dairy operations across New Zealand. The company is focused on improving farm performance, protecting the environment, and developing its people, with strong leadership, resources, and stakeholder support guiding its long-term success.

Otamatea Station is a 2,500ha, highly developed all-dairy grazing and bull beef finishing property located 25 minutes from Taupō. Part of the Rimanui Farms portfolio, the farm winters approximately 32,500 stock units, including dairy grazers, bulls, ewes, and a stud ewe multiplier flock, operating a predominantly grass-based system supported by winter crops. The station is well resourced and places a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, offering excellent on-farm facilities and fostering a positive community culture.    

Your Role

As Stock Manager, you will play a key leadership role within the farming operation, working closely with the Farm Manager to oversee the day-to-day management of livestock, pasture, and farm performance. You will be responsible for implementing farm plans, managing stock movements and animal health programmes, monitoring pasture performance, and contributing to feed budgeting and seasonal planning. In the Farm Manager’s absence, you will take responsibility for the overall running of the farm, ensuring operations continue to run smoothly and efficiently.

Leading a team of 3–5 staff, you will foster a positive, high-performing culture built on accountability, communication, and teamwork. This role requires a capable livestock professional who enjoys developing people, leading from the front, and maintaining high standards across all areas of the business. Supported by a strong team and three working dogs, you will have the opportunity to further develop your leadership skills while contributing to the ongoing success of a progressive and well-resourced farming operation.

What You’ll Bring:

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience as a Shepherd and 2+ years’ experience as a Head Shepherd or equivalent senior role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to confidently lead and motivate a team of 3–5 staff members of varying ages and experience levels.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships and act as the primary day-to-day point of contact on farm.
• Positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to take initiative and get things done.
• Ability to foster a positive team culture, with a good sense of humour.
• Sound understanding of Health & Safety requirements.
• A strong team of 3 working dogs.
• Practical experience in pasture management, feed budgeting, and implementing seasonal farm plans, including supplementary feeding.
• Strong stock management skills and the ability to maintain high animal welfare standards.
• Good organisational and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to manage daily priorities and make informed decisions independently.    
• The ability to present weekly/monthly plans to the wider management team.

To read more about the position and farm layout please visit – https://bit.ly/4wZI0JL

Why You’ll Love This Job

• Join a business committed to investing in its people through ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities.
• Be part of a well-resourced farming business that takes pride in maintaining high standards across its farming operations, housing, and infrastructure.
• Opportunity to help develop and mentor two first-year GFF students, making a meaningful contribution to the next generation of farming professionals.
• Modern technologies and systems within the business. 
• Work within a supportive and collaborative team that values strong relationships, learning, and shared success.
• Gain valuable experience working alongside the team at Lochinver Station during peak periods, collaborating with a wider team of 10–15 staff and broadening your operational experience.
• An on-farm ute is supplied for work-related use.
• Accommodation is a three-bedroom home that has been recently renovated, including double-glazed windows, new carpet, an enclosed garage, and upgraded kennels.
• Located 25 minutes south of Taupō, offering a great rural lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, hunting, and the amenities of the Lake Taupō region.

Hit APPLY, check https://bit.ly/4wZI0JL for more info, or call Rural Directions on 06 871 0450.

Applications close Sunday 21st of June 2026

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