Job description

Herd Manager – Kent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Herd Manager to join our award-winning dairy operation in Kent.

Our Farm

We are an award-winning dairy business covering 160ha on the Kent/Surrey border. Our dairy consists of a herd of 540 Pedigree Holsteins plus 300 followers. The herd is milked three times a day through a 36/36 GEA parlour, with automatic ID and ADF. The cows average 12,000 litres milk sold, which is then supplied on a Premium contract, with all our records kept up to date using Uniform and Cow Manager. The herd calves year-round and are grazed in the summer months.

We pride ourselves on our milk quality, staff structure, and facility investment. As a business, we have invested heavily in our infrastructure and facilities to create an excellent dairy operation. You will be joining a full-time team of seven, who are all given opportunities for development and training.

Your Role

Working with the engaged Farm Owner, this is an exciting opportunity for a Herd Manager to establish themselves within the business and drive the dairy forward. Roles and responsibilities will include:

– Day-to-day running of the dairy farm operation – managing the dairy, milking, feed management and ensuring herd health and welfare is the top priority

– Liaise with the farm owner to achieve agreed KPIs, financial budgets, and herd targets

– Overall staff management of all staff members and contractors, including weekly staff rotas and training.

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

– Grazing management and budgeting

– Utilising the data provided by Uniform & Cow manager, demonstrating a clear understanding of the software.

– Maintain and build strong working relationships with third-party visitors, including consultants, vets and nutritionists

– Undertake proactive management of health and safety standards across the farm estate.

– Working closely with the Farm Owner to develop the strategy for the farm.

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

– Farm machinery and general farm maintenance.

Qualifications & Licenses required

– A full UK Driving license.

– Proof of UK right to work

– AI qualification

You

The successful candidate will:

– Demonstrate strong previous experience in agriculture and dairy management

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

– Be able to manage the farm’s finances and costs accordingly

– Possess the skills to communicate and work effectively with others

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

– Overall, a reliable and genuine person who is invested in moving the farm forward

The Benefits

– 3-Bedroom semi-detached Cottage on site, with rent and council tax paid

– Flexible working rota, three days off a fortnight, including alternative weekends and Holiday

– Competitive salary depending on your experience

– A role where you can develop your career with given training and support

– An opportunity to join an established business and excel as a Herd Manager

Location

The farm is situated in a picturesque setting on the Kent/Surrey border close to Edenbridge, with excellent schools, leisure, shops and pubs nearby. The farm is also less than an hour away from London.