Herd Manager

Job description

Herd Manager – Scotland

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Herd Manager to join our dairy unit in Scotland.

Our Business & Farm

Our business was created by a group of professional farmers who came together to farm on a number of dairy and heifer rearing farms in Scotland and Ireland. Having started with one dairy farm in Ireland less than a decade ago, we are currently milking on 9 dairies, with a 10th farm being developed.

You will be working on our 800-acre dairy unit near Dumfries. Consisting of 700 New Zealand Jersey grazing cows, who are milked twice a day through a herringbone parlour. We operate on a spring block calving system, with all our records and data kept up to date using Herdlync.

Your Role

As the Herd Manager, you will be supporting the Farm Manager with the overall running of the dairy operation and taking full control of the farm when the Farm Manager is away. Roles and responsibilities will include:

– Day-to-day running of the dairy farm operation, ensuring animal health and welfare is the top priority

– Liaise with the management team to achieve agreed KPIs, financial budgets, and herd targets

– Milking as part of a team to a high and consistent standard

– Supporting the Farm Manager with all staff management of the team members and contractors, including weekly staff rotas and training.

– Work in collaboration with the wider farm team regarding farm audits, cow nutrition, milk production and the fertility and general welfare of the dairy herd

– Taking full responsibility for dry cow management, calving cows and colostrum protocols

– Overall grazing management & budgeting

– Maintain and build strong working relationships with landlords

– Ensuring the farm is kept tidy and safe to operate at all times

– General stockperson work including operating farm machinery and maintenance.

Our focus is our People, our Cows and Our grass. People working in our business are part of a valued team, we have a structured development program and invest in their skills with training and courses as well as working to ensure our teams are managed to the best of their interests.

Qualifications & Licenses required

– A full UK Driving license.

– Proof of UK right to work

– Foot trimming qualification

You

The successful candidate will:

– Demonstrate strong previous experience in grassland dairy management

– Have experience in leading a team on a day-to-day basis to achieve agreed targets

– Possess the skills to communicate and work effectively with others

– Be a self starter, who has a high attention to detail and organisational skills

– Have a positive attitude, who is keen to learn and develop their career

The Benefits

– Accommodation is available depending on your needs

– 11 on 3 off working rota, with changes through peak periods

– Competitive salary depending on your experience

– Opportunity for a future profit share scheme

– We offer a training program for all our team, which includes reviews, discussion groups, training courses and a genuine investment into your goals and development

Location

The farm is located in Scotland, with excellent outdoor activities especially mountain biking & hiking, respected local schools and good leisure opportunities.

If you’re passionate about dairy farming, keen to play your part in a top-performing team and don’t mind hard work, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications for the Herd Manager role with cover letters are preferred.