Research Farms Operations Manager

Hamilton | Full time | Permanent

Help shape the future of dairy farming from the paddock up

At DairyNZ, our purpose is clear: to deliver a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming. Our research farms are where science meets real-world farming, and we are looking for an Operations Manager who wants to be part of that action.

This is not a desk-only role. We are looking for someone with hands-on farming experience, energy, and curiosity - someone who enjoys being on farm, working with a large team, leading and growing people, and supporting high-quality research, while taking ownership for maintaining strong farming practice across two research farms.

About the role

Reporting to the Science Support Manager, you will provide operational leadership across DairyNZ’s two research farms - Lye Farm and Scott Farm, based at our Newstead Campus in Hamilton.

The farms operate commercial pasture-based dairy systems, while running multiple animal and system-based research trials at any one time. You will work closely with DairyNZ Farm Managers, farm teams, technical staff, and scientists, as well as external service providers to ensure farm performance, animal welfare, and research delivery are all operating to a high standard.

A key part of this role is building capability. You will be part of a team who are keen to learn and grow – using your own practical experience to lift skills, confidence and best-practice farming understanding. This means you must be willing and able to step in when needed, and lead by example, particularly during busy or high-risk periods.

This role offers strong internal support and collaboration across DairyNZ, with access to experienced science, technical and operational leaders, allowing you to take ownership of complex farm operations.   

What you will be doing

• Leading day-to-day farm operations across both research farms
• Supporting Farm Managers and staff to build capability and confidence
• Being present on farm, coaching and supporting teams
• Using your experience to lift pasture, feed and animal performance
• Coordinating people, animals, feed, infrastructure and equipment (farm and research) across both sites
• Improving systems, processes and ways of working
• Work closely with scientists and technicians to deliver complex research trials practically, credibly, and safely
• Managing operational priorities, reporting and budgets
• Building strong relationships with contractors, vets and service providers
• Supporting farm visits, field days, and industry engagement activities

About you

You’re an experienced dairy farmer or farm leader who enjoys being hands-on, leading a team and continually striving for improvement.

You bring:

• Strong foundational knowledge of New Zealand pasture-based dairy systems and best practice farm management
• Practical, real-world farming experience that others can learn from
• Confidence to speak up and improve how things are done
• The ability to juggle multiple priorities in a complex environment
• An interest in developing people and lifting team capability
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse groups
• Experience making operational decisions and being accountable for outcomes
• A relevant tertiary qualification in agriculture or a related field (preferred)

You don’t need a research background but need to appreciate the value and importance of the research being conducted – curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn matter most.

Why join DairyNZ?

Please note: on-farm accommodation is not provided with this role.

• A genuinely unique role at the interface of farming, science and industry
• The chance to influence dairy farming beyond a single farm gate
• Work alongside leading scientists and farm professionals
• Opportunity to lead, coach and support farm managers and teams
• A supportive, values-driven organisation
• Competitive remuneration aligned with role expectations

If you are looking for a role where you can use your experience, grow others, and still get your boots dirty, we would love to hear from you.

Check out the full position description here to read more detail. 

Applications close: April 30th at 11:55pm