Genetics Product Manager

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that's been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand's dairy sector for more than 115 years. We're focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on-farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.

As a proud generational co-operative, we're here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.

As Product Manager – Dairy Beef & SGL, you'll be a key driver in LIC's Genetics team, reporting directly to the Head of Genetics and leading the future direction of our Beef and SGL portfolio. This is your opportunity to shape product roadmaps, set requirements, and support the progression of solutions from concept to practical on-farm delivery.

Working alongside a passionate, collaborative team, you'll partner with R&D, Operations, and other business units to bring high-value non replacement genetic products to market. Your deep understanding of farmers, industry trends, and emerging opportunities will guide the product discovery process, ensuring every solution aligns with LIC's long-term strategy and real-world needs.

You'll help build strong industry partnerships, lead key engagement channels, and champion Beef and SGL development nationwide. From on-farm conversations to boardroom discussions, you'll collaborate with everyone from farm staff to data scientists and CEOs to drive growth and adoption.

Success in this role means turning insight into action, translating customer and market signals into clear direction, aligning cross-functional teams, and refining strategy through confident communication and constructive challenge.

Your strong product management capability and deep beef genetics expertise will enable LIC to set new industry benchmarks and deliver products that lift performance across New Zealand's dairy beef sector.

• Product Management – Apply best practices to discover and deliver solutions that solve customer problems and create value for farmers and LIC.
• Subject Matter Expertise – Be LIC's go-to expert for Dairy Beef and SGL genetics, building networks to support product discovery and promotion.
• Business Acumen – Understand LIC's objectives and constraints to guide strategy, manage risks, and ensure financial viability for product success.
• Customer & Market Insight – Use data and analysis to understand customer needs, track trends, and test concepts to keep products competitive.
• Stakeholder Collaboration – Work closely with R&D, Operations, and other teams to align on strategy, roadmaps, and progress toward shared goals.
• Go-to-Market – Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Communications to create compelling campaigns and champion products with customers.
• Product Strategy – Shape the vision and strategic plan for Beef Genetics, delivering value to customers while meeting LIC's business objectives.

• Degree in genetics, genomics, or related field.
• 4 + years of experience in genetics-related roles that have fostered a deep understanding of genetics, genomics, and related technologies.
• 4 + years of experience managing products in the agri domain, or equivalent experience that allows you to demonstrate a proficiency in product discovery and delivery.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to learn multiple functional areas of business
• Demonstrated ability to figure out solutions to hard problems with many constraints, using sound judgement to assess risks, and to lay out your argument in a well-structured, data-informed, written narrative.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Based 10 minutes from Hamilton, in a semi-rural location, the role provides the opportunity for a lifestyle change for those seeking a better work -life balance and wanting to escape the 'rat race' and cost of living in bigger cities. Alternatively, we are open to flexible and remote working arrangements.
In addition to a competitive salary, you'll receive some great benefits including: extra leave days, and discounted health, life, income, and disability insurances.

This is a high profile and pivotal role, where you'll have significant opportunity to achieve great results. You'll be joining a values-led, progressive organisation, where you'll play a role in driving the future of dairy & beef in NZ.