Herd Manager

Position Description

Our Co-operative
Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

He kupu mō mātou | About us
Based in Longburn, only 5 minutes' drive to Palmerston North, Longburn Farms is made up of two dairy farms and two support blocks.

Thornton Park Farm is a predominantly a flat farm covering a 200ha milking platform and an 80ha support block which boundaries onto the Manawatu River. Milking 600 cows through a 50-bale rotary shed with cup removers, auto drafting and in shed feeding.

Neighbouring Thornton Park Farm is our Innesmoor Farm, which is a largely flat farm of 130ha, milking 350 cows though a 32 aside herringbone shed with auto drafting and is supported by our Braeburn 50ha support block.

With the two dairy farms and support blocks neighbouring each other, we transfer cows between the farms to best utilise our pasture and infrastructure. We can offer a variety where no two days are the same whilst still providing a competitive work roster.

Our farm team takes great pride in running farm tours for our Fonterra customers along with our staff claiming the title of the Manawatu New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards – Trainee of the Year winner for three consecutive years

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
We are looking for a committed individual to join our team and contribute meaningfully to our farm operations. This role provides an exciting chance to be part of sustainable and responsible farming practices while working in a vibrant rural environment. Your responsibilities will involve supporting strategic decisions to optimize farm performance while ensuring exceptional standards of animal health and welfare. You will also work closely with the Farm Manager to adhere to the requirements of the Health & Safety in Employment Act and uphold environmental compliance standards, striving to exceed expectations. Maintaining the farm, vehicles, and sheds to a high standard and handling property improvements in a timely manner are also key aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of dynamic responsibilities that include, feeding out, break fencing, weed control, and assisting in keeping accurate records of stock levels, animal health treatments, grazing plans, and effluent management processes.

As someone who shares our passion for rural life, your skills and expertise will help drive our farm operations forward with no limitations on what can be achieved. This is a permanent role requiring an average of 50 working hours per week.

Mōu | About You
What You'll Bring To The Role

• A strong understanding of farming practices in New Zealand
• Physical fitness, along with proficient machinery operation and livestock handling skills
• A Full NZ driver's license
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• A Level 3 Agriculture ITO qualification or higher is advantageous
• Adaptability, quick thinking, and a proactive mindset
• A willingness to embrace new technology and actively participate in record-keeping and on-farm research

Ngā Aura | Our Values
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You
We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:

• Fair and equitable pay
• Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth support
• Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
• Employee recognition
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection

To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Tātou Tātou | Join Us
Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.
He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.
If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 19th November 2025