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Farm Manager - South Canterbury

  • Westacombe Ltd
  • Sep 12, 2026
Full time Drystock

Job Description

Farm Manager – South Canterbury

Lead the day-to-day. Shape the future. Make your mark.

Westacombe Ltd is seeking a capable and motivated Farm Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our established South Canterbury sheep, beef and dairy-grazing business.

Operating across approximately 1,500 effective hectares of rolling downs and hill country and carrying around 10,000 stock units, Westacombe offers genuine scale, variety and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

This role would suit an experienced Farm Manager or a capable Stock Manager or 2IC ready to step up into farm management.

The Role:

Reporting to the owners, who work externally, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the farming operation, including:

• Livestock management and achievement of animal-performance targets
• Pasture management, feed budgeting and seasonal grazing plans
• Planning and implementing breeding, finishing and animal-health programmes
• Leading and coordinating permanent and casual farm staff
• Managing contractors, machinery and farm infrastructure, including planning and prioritising maintenance, repairs and property improvements
• Maintaining strong health and safety, animal-welfare and compliance standards
• Monitoring expenditure against agreed budgets and making practical, cost-conscious decisions
• Maintaining accurate farm records and providing regular reporting on progress, performance, emerging risks and opportunities

You will have appropriate autonomy over day-to-day farming decisions within agreed farm plans, budgets and business priorities. The owners provide clear strategic direction and value initiative, open communication and practical solutions.

About You:

You will be a skilled stockperson with sound pasture and feed-management capability. You will enjoy planning ahead, leading others and taking ownership of results.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Strong sheep and beef experience
• Dairy-grazing experience or an interest in developing it
• Experience as a Stock Manager, 2IC or Farm Manager
• A capable team of working dogs
• Strong organisation, communication and record-keeping skills
• A proactive approach to maintenance, farm presentation and continuous property improvement
• Sound judgement, initiative and commercial awareness
• A positive attitude and commitment to being part of a high-performing team

Most importantly, you will be dependable, motivated and ready to take responsibility for moving the farming operation forward.

What we offer:

• A genuine farm-management opportunity with meaningful responsibility
• Competitive remuneration
• A modern, warm family home
• Support for an appropriate team of working dogs
• On-farm benefits
• A property conveniently located near a school-bus route and approximately 30 minutes from town
• Support and professional development for someone looking to grow into the role

If you are ready to step up, take ownership and make your mark within a substantial South Canterbury farming business, we would like to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a brief covering letter to westacombeltd@outlook.com

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Westacombe Ltd
About Westacombe Ltd

Westacombe Ltd is a sheep beef and dairy grazing company 

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