Senior Dairy Operations Manager
Job Description
About the role
Pouarua Farms is looking for a Senior Dairy Operations Manager to provide leadership across its dairy portfolio on the Hauraki Plains. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive and will play a critical role in shaping the future performance of the dairy business. You'll be responsible for building capable leaders, creating clarity and accountability and ensuring each farm consistently delivers safe, profitable and sustainable outcomes.
The scale of the operation creates genuine variety. You'll work alongside Farm Managers and Contract Milkers to improve farm performance, support seasonal planning, review results and help solve the practical challenges that come with running multiple dairy farms. Some days you'll be focused on pasture, feed and production performance, while others will involve coaching managers, reviewing budgets or helping prioritise improvement projects. Throughout it all, your focus will be on building capable teams and creating consistency across the portfolio.
What makes this opportunity particularly distinctive is the balance between commercial performance and purpose. Pouarua's values of Kaitiakitanga, Manaakitanga, Mahi Tahi and Whanaungatanga, and Pono me te Tika underpin the way decisions are made and success is measured. The role requires someone who can achieve strong commercial results while recognising their responsibility to the whenua, people, animals and future generations.
Key responsibilities
Work alongside Farm Managers and Contract Milkers to improve farm performance
Support seasonal planning and review results
Help solve practical challenges that come with running multiple dairy farms
Focus on pasture, feed and production performance
Coach managers and review budgets
Help prioritise improvement projects
Build capable teams and create consistency across the portfolio
About you
Earned credibility in the dairy industry through experience and results
Experience leading a large dairy operation, supporting multiple farms or working in a senior production or operations role
Someone who enjoys helping others succeed, can see the bigger picture, and understands what drives performance on farm
Developing Farm Managers and operational leaders
Financial management, budgeting and forecasting
Pasture based dairy systems and farm performance improvement
Building capability, accountability and consistency within teams
Improving production and business performance
Working within health and safety, environmental and animal welfare requirements
About us
Pouarua Farms is a significant farming business jointly owned by Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Tara Tokanui and Te Patukirikiri. Operating seven dairy farms milking approximately 4,000 cows, alongside beef, cropping and blueberry enterprises, Pouarua's values of Kaitiakitanga, Manaakitanga, Mahi Tahi and Whanaungatanga, and Pono me te Tika underpin the way decisions are made and success is measured.
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