Bull Farm Working Operations Manager

Farm Operations Manager – Waikato Bull Leasing

Cambridge / Waikato | Full Time | Company Vehicle | Excellent Remuneration

Take ownership of a 220ha farming operation

Waikato Bull Leasing Limited is looking for an experienced, capable and self-motivated Farm Operations Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of our two Waikato farming properties.

The two properties total approximately 220 hectares, predominantly flat to medium contour, with approximately 10% steeper country.

This is a genuine hands-on management position. There are currently no other full-time farm staff, so you will be the primary person responsible for running both properties.

However, you won’t be expected to do everything alone. Additional staff and labour are available when required for larger stock movements, projects, seasonal workloads and other jobs where extra hands are needed.

We want someone capable of looking at the whole operation, working out what needs doing and getting on with it without needing constant direction from the owners.

The Role

You will take responsibility for the practical day-to-day operation of both properties, including:

• Cattle movements, handling and general stock management
• Animal health, monitoring and treatments
• Pasture and grazing management
• Planning stock rotations across both properties
• Fencing maintenance and new fencing
• Water systems, troughs and general infrastructure
• Weed control and spraying
• Tractor and machinery operation
• General farm maintenance
• Keeping both properties tidy and well presented
• Identifying maintenance and operational issues before they become problems
• Planning and prioritising your own workload
• Organising additional staff or contractors when required
• Communicating with the owners on stock, farm condition and anything requiring attention

Good Working Dogs Are Essential

Because of the size and nature of the operation, you will need to have good, capable working dogs and be confident handling cattle independently.

Strong stockmanship is a key part of this position.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is already capable of running a farming operation rather than someone who needs to be managed day-to-day.

You’ll ideally have:

• Strong beef cattle and stockmanship experience
• Good working dogs
• Experience managing grazing and pasture
• Strong fencing skills
• Experience operating tractors and farm machinery
• Good general mechanical and practical ability
• Knowledge of animal health and weed management
• A full NZ driver’s licence
• The ability to work independently across multiple properties
• Good organisation and forward planning
• The confidence to make sensible decisions without constantly seeking approval

Above everything else, we’re looking for ownership and reliability.

If a fence is down, a trough isn’t working, cattle need shifting or a paddock needs attention, we want someone who sees it and sorts it.

What We Offer

We understand that getting the right person requires offering the right package.

For the right candidate, we offer:

• Very good remuneration based on experience and capability
• Company vehicle provided
• Phone
• Additional staff/labour available when required
• Resources and equipment to get the job done properly
• Significant autonomy over the day-to-day operation
• Direct relationship with the owners
• Long-term, stable employment
• Potential performance/profit-based incentives for someone who delivers strong results

There is no on-farm accommodation currently provided, so initially this position will suit someone living within reasonable travelling distance of the properties.

We aren’t looking for someone to simply turn up and complete a list of jobs.

We’re looking for someone who wants to take ownership of the farming operation, run both properties well and take pride in the results.

In return, we’ll provide the autonomy, resources and remuneration to make it a worthwhile long-term position.

If this sounds like you, send through your CV along with a brief introduction outlining your farming experience, current situation and what you’re looking for in your next role.

All enquiries will be treated confidentially.