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Farms Manager - Pahiatua

Job Name
Farms Manager - Pahiatua

General Information

Date Published
20-Apr-2026
Advertising Ends
03-May-2026
ID#
15199
Role Type
Farming
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Manawatu

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
Fonterra operates an extensive network of dairy and dry stock farms across New Zealand, supporting our processing sites through the sustainable and environmentally responsible application of factory wastewater. These farms play a critical role in demonstrating best-practice land, water and environmental management.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
As our Pahiatua Farms manager you will be responsible for our farms in the Pahiatua region, working closely with on-farm irrigation teams to ensure daily wastewater application is managed effectively and compliantly.

You will oversee:
  • Two dairy platforms managed with Halter
  • 172ha milking approximately 240 cows during peak, OAD 
  • 144ha milking approximately 240 cows during peak, currently OAD with a potential to move to twice a day
  • 18ha support block 
  • Significant grass silage production, with surplus made and sold to neighbouring farms

We are seeking a forward-thinking, proactive and technologically capable Farm Manager who is passionate about sustainability, productivity and continuous improvement.

In this role, you will:
  • Provide operational leadership across two dairy farms and a support block
  • Work collaboratively with Fonterra irrigation operators on daily wastewater application
  • Play a key role in shaping the future direction of the farms
  • Manage contractors, partners and stakeholders across multiple workstreams
  • Ensure farm operations align with strategic, environmental and commercial objectives
  • Lead, mentor and develop a team of four permanent staff
  • Manage operational budgets and reporting
  • Carry out and oversee farm maintenance
  • Maintain accurate farm and compliance records
  • Champion a high-performing Health & Safety culture
  • Ensure farming practices meet consent and regulatory requirements

Health, Safety and Environmental stewardship is critical to this role. Alongside managing wastewater application, you will actively identify and implement farm improvement initiatives while driving a strong health and safety focus.   

Start date flexible between 1st June and 1st July 2026         

Mōu | About You
You’re a motivated self-starter with demonstrated farm management experience, or the ambition and capability to take the next step, complemented by strong technical expertise and excellent people skills.

You’ll be confident working in a collaborative environment and skilled at building strong working relationships—particularly with irrigation and environmental specialists supporting day-to-day operations.

Key Attributes:
  • Proven experience leading and developing farm teams
  • Exceptional pasture management and feed budgeting capability
  • Strong stock management skills and commitment to best-practice animal welfare
  • Ability to safely and competently operate a range of farm machinery
  • A visible leader in Health & Safety
  • Strong understanding of working within resource consent requirements
  • Excellent attention to detail and pride in farm presentation
  • A positive attitude and good sense of humour
  • Agribusiness or Dairy Farming qualifications will be highly regarded

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 Sunday 3rd May