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Herd Manager - Longburn Farms (fixed term)

Job Name
Herd Manager - Longburn Farms

General Information

Date Published
06-Jul-2026
Advertising Ends
19-Jul-2026
ID#
15922
Role Type
Farming
Work Type
Fixed-Term Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Manawatu

Position Description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō
At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, 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.

About us | He kupu mō mātou
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 flat farm of 200ha milking platform and an 80ha support block which boundaries onto the Manawatu river. 

Neighbouring Thornton Park Farm is our Innesmoor Farm, which is a largely flat farm of 130ha which milking 350 cows though a 32 a side herringbone shed 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, infrastructure and a team of 8 full timers and casuals. By combining resources of the farms we can offer a variety of jobs types during the day where no two days are the same whilst still providing a competitive work roster.

Both farms are equipped with Halter technology and benefit from the flexibility of virtual break fences, pasture management software as well as time savings not having to get cows in! 

The farm team takes great pride in running farm tours for our Fonterra customers and boasts claiming title of New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards – Manawatu Trainee of the Year winner for the last 4 consecutive years! 

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

Our Assistant Manager is on secondment into the Farms Manager role which presents an opportunity for someone to fill the Herd Manager role until 1 July 2027.

Putting your rural knowledge and love for agriculture to work with us will be a positive move for our farmers and your future. Like us, you're passionate about rural life and agricultural people and it's your expertise that means there are no boundaries to what can be achieved here.

This is a fixed term role (ending 1 July 2027 with the possibility of becoming permanent) where you will be working an average of 50 hours per week which will be paid on a monthly basis. Reporting to our Farm Manager, your key responsibilities will include the below:

  • Assisting with staff management and day to day coordination of contractors as required
  • Milking 600 cows through a 50 bale rotary shed with cup removers, auto drafting and in shed feeding when working at Thornton Park
  • When working at the Innnesmoor farm, milking 350 cows through a 32 a side herring bone shed with auto drafting
  • Feeding out
  • Virtual break fencing 
  • Recording and documentation of activities carried out on farm
  • Weed control
  • Farm maintenance 
  • Tractor work
  • Other farm tasks as required 

You will assist in making sure the farms, our vehicles and the sheds are maintained to a high standard and that the property improvements are managed in a timely manner.  

Key focuses of the role: 

  • Support strategic decisions being made on farm.
  • Assist farm management with animal health and welfare requirements 
  • Assist in maintaining accurate records of stock, animal health treatments, grazing records, and effluent management
  • Complying with the requirements of the Health & Safety in Employment Act
  • Supporting the Farm Manager to ensure environmental compliance is always met or exceeded
               
About You | Mōu

What you’ll bring to the role:

  • Have a good understanding of farming in New Zealand
  • Be physically fit and have sound machinery and stock handling skills
  • Hold a Full NZ driver’s license
  • Demonstrate strong communication and relationship building skills
  • Level 4 Agriculture ITO qualification or above advantageous
  • Be adaptable and quick thinking
  • Be willing to adapt new technology and partake in recording and on farm research

Our Values | Ngā Aura 
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

Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati 
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

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi
At 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.

Join Us | Tātou Tātou
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.

Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa
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 19th July