Herd Manager

Job description

Herd Manager - Kent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Herd Manager to join our award-winning dairy operation in Kent.

Our Farm

We are an award-winning dairy business covering 160ha on the Kent/Surrey border. Our dairy consists of a herd of 540 Pedigree Holsteins plus 300 followers. The herd is milked three times a day through a 36/36 GEA parlour, with automatic ID and ADF. The cows average 12,000 litres milk sold, which is then supplied on a Premium contract, with all our records kept up to date using Uniform and Cow Manager. The herd calves year-round and are grazed in the summer months.

We pride ourselves on our milk quality, staff structure, and facility investment. As a business, we have invested heavily in our infrastructure and facilities to create an excellent dairy operation. You will be joining a full-time team of seven, who are all given opportunities for development and training.

Your Role

Working with the engaged Farm Owner, this is an exciting opportunity for a Herd Manager to establish themselves within the business and drive the dairy forward. Roles and responsibilities will include:

- Day-to-day running of the dairy farm operation - managing the dairy, milking, feed management and ensuring herd health and welfare is the top priority

- Liaise with the farm owner to achieve agreed KPIs, financial budgets, and herd targets

- Overall staff management of all staff members and contractors, including weekly staff rotas and training.

- Taking full responsibility for dry cow management, calving cows and colostrum protocols.

- Grazing management and budgeting

- Utilising the data provided by Uniform & Cow manager, demonstrating a clear understanding of the software.

- Maintain and build strong working relationships with third-party visitors, including consultants, vets and nutritionists

- Undertake proactive management of health and safety standards across the farm estate.

- Working closely with the Farm Owner to develop the strategy for the farm.

- Ensuring the farm is kept tidy and safe to operate at all times

- Farm machinery and general farm maintenance.

Qualifications & Licenses required

- A full UK Driving license.

- Proof of UK right to work

- AI qualification

You

The successful candidate will:

- Demonstrate strong previous experience in agriculture and dairy management

- Have experience in leading a team on a day-to-day basis to achieve agreed targets

- Be able to manage the farm's finances and costs accordingly

- Possess the skills to communicate and work effectively with others

- Be a self starter, who has high attention to detail and organisational skills

- Overall, a reliable and genuine person who is invested in moving the farm forward

The Benefits

- 3-Bedroom semi-detached Cottage on site, with rent and council tax paid

- Flexible working rota, three days off a fortnight, including alternative weekends and Holiday

- Competitive salary depending on your experience

- A role where you can develop your career with given training and support

- An opportunity to join an established business and excel as a Herd Manager

Location

The farm is situated in a picturesque setting on the Kent/Surrey border close to Edenbridge, with excellent schools, leisure, shops and pubs nearby. The farm is also less than an hour away from London.

Applications with a cover letter explaining why you would like to work on our farm as a Herd Manager will get preference.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Housing allowance
• On-site parking
• Relocation assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Holidays
• Weekend availability