Senior Stock Manager

Run a 1400ha Hill country farm in North Canterbury and take it to the next level.

Our current stock manager is heading overseas, creating an opportunity for someone to take ownership of the livestock operation and lift performance on a well set-up property.

About Foxdown

Foxdown is a 1400ha summer-dry property in the Scargill Valley, 30 mins from Amberley and 60 mins from Christchurch. We run 4500 predominantly Romney ewes and 200 Angus cross breeding cows, plus replacements.Half the farm is well-subdivided, developed rolling country. The rest is oversown hill country rising to 730m. Most trading stock is sold at weaning, with around 40% of lambs sold prime, depending on the season.
Good infrastructure is in place with main yards/woolshed, plus three sets of satellite yards. We plan to extend reticulated water across the hill country to improve grazing management. The owners run a separate accommodation business on the property that does not impact the day to day.

The role

You’ll be responsible for day-to-day stock and pasture management, with casual staff reporting to you in peak seasons. The owners handle the financial management, but we want someone who understands how daily decisions drive profit. Succession is in place, and with the next generation working off farm, this is a genuine long-term role with stability for you and your family. We’ll fully support you to succeed and actively encourage ongoing training. There is opportunity to grow in the role and take on more responsibility.

About you

• Strong stockmanship and pasture management skills including grazing rotations and seasonal feed planning
• A good communicator with initiative and drive
• Establish a good working relationship with the owner to make good management decisions that will also demonstrate good initiative
• Hardworking, reliable and keen to learn and try new ideas
• Strong animal health understanding and record keeping skills
• Previous stock manager/ head shepherd experience preferred
• Honest and have a good sense of humor
• A good team of dogs

What’s on offer

• A competitive salary
• A recently renovated 3-bedroom home with a log burner and heat pump
• A school bus to a great rural primary school, less than 1km from the house
• Pig and deer hunting on the property

Start date and how to apply

The start date is end of February 2027, negotiable for the right person. For this role the right person is more important than having all of the skills & experience in the world.
James welcomes a confidential, informal chat before you apply - 0276677380. To apply, send your CV and cover letter to jfox290@gmail.com

Applicants must be NZ residents or hold a valid work visa.