Build your career as Stock Manager in a hands-on role, riding hill country, leading livestock performance, and taking real ownership.

• Located 35 minutes from Taihape, with easy access to recreational activities.
• Build a long-term career with genuine growth & responsibility opportunities.
• Horseback mustering in challenging hill country will help develop your skills.

Your Future Workplace

Koeke Estate is a progressive, family-owned sheep and beef farm located at the top of the Pohonui Valley. The 1,450ha property consists mainly of steeper hill country and operates a mixed sheep and cattle system at an average stocking rate of 9.8 SU/ha. It is well presented with quality infrastructure, including good yards, stables, and well-maintained facilities that support efficient operations. The business also leases additional lamb finishing blocks in Hawke’s Bay and is professionally managed with a strong focus on performance and continuous improvement.                                                                                 

Your Role

As Stock Manager at Koeke Estate, you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day farm operations, working closely with the owner to plan and coordinate activities and ensure stock work is completed efficiently, and farm targets are achieved. The role requires strong organisation, self-motivation, and the ability to take ownership while supporting and upskilling junior team members.

You will manage livestock across sheep and cattle enterprises, including stock movements, animal health, performance monitoring, and implementing seasonal stock policies. Mustering is primarily done on horseback across steep hill country, so confidence and experience working with horses is essential. You will also contribute to the cattle breeding programme and help drive overall production and performance outcomes.

Alongside practical farming duties, you will maintain accurate livestock records using Resolution, complete monthly stock reconciliations, and provide regular reporting to the owner on farm performance and priorities. The role sits within a progressive business that encourages initiative, values new ideas, and offers ongoing opportunities for learning and development.

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven sheep and beef farming experience, preferably on a large-scale, steeper hill country operation.
• Strong stockmanship skills with a sound understanding of livestock management, animal health, and performance monitoring.
• Previous staff leadership or management experience, with the ability to organise daily workloads, whilst leading by example, and support team members.
• Confidence working with horses, with experience mustering and handling livestock on horseback.
• Strong team of capable working dogs.
• Experience with cattle AI programmes or a willingness to learn.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to take ownership of day-to-day operations and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Experience using farm management software, particularly Resolution, or the ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Be computer literate, accurate with record-keeping, including livestock recording and stock reconciliations.
• A full, clean driver's licence.

To read more about the position and farm layout please visit – https://bit.ly/4vHl00R

Why You’ll Love This Job

• Take on a key leadership role with responsibility for the day-to-day direction and management of the shepherding team.
• Gain valuable experience operating at scale on a large, steeper hill country property.
• Work closely with an experienced owner who provides support while allowing a good level of autonomy and ownership within the role.
• Regular horse work as part of the farming operation.
• Be part of a business that values initiative, welcomes new ideas, and encourages continuous improvement.
• Join a farming operation with a strong history of employee longevity and a positive team culture.
• Conveniently located just 35 minutes from Taihape, providing access to local services, amenities, and recreational opportunities. Strong rural community with some on-farm hunting opportunities.
• Opportunity to build a long-term career within a supportive farming business and community.
• Well-presented three-bedroom, open-plan home with a modern kitchen, wraparound deck, and double garage.

Hit APPLY, check https://bit.ly/4vHl00R for more info, or call Rural Directions on 06 871 0450.

Applications close Sunday 28th June 2026

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