Herd Manager

Herd Manager – North Wales

Overall package worth more than £63,000 plus bonus
Basic salary up to £50,000
Good-quality family accommodation included
Permanent, full-time position

11 days on 3 days off

The Opportunity

An excellent opportunity has become available for an experienced Herd Manager to join a substantial, progressive family-run dairy business situated close to the North Wales and Cheshire border.

The farm operates a large organic, grass-based dairy system, milking approximately 550 cows across 1,500 acres. Around 90% of the herd’s feed is produced on the farm, supported by modern facilities, a large-capacity milking parlour and a strong focus on efficiency, sustainability and animal welfare.

This is a genuine management position with responsibility for both the herd and the dairy team. The successful person will work closely with the farming family but will be trusted to lead the day-to-day dairy operation, make decisions and maintain consistently high standards across the unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and organise the dairy team
• Plan staff rotas, allocate workloads and maintain clear standards
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the dairy herd
• Monitor and improve milk production, fertility and herd performance
• Manage herd health, breeding and replacement policies
• Oversee calving, fresh cows, dry cows and transition management
• Maintain high standards of cow welfare and stockmanship
• Manage mastitis, SCC, lameness and disease-control protocols
• Support grazing, forage and feed-management decisions
• Maintain accurate herd records and analyse performance information
• Liaise with vets, nutritionists and other external advisers
• Train, support and develop less-experienced members of the team
• Maintain farm assurance, welfare and organic-system standards
• Remain practically involved with the herd when required
• Identify and implement improvements in productivity and efficiency

The Person

The successful applicant must be an experienced dairy professional with the confidence and authority to manage both a large herd and the people responsible for it.

Team-management experience is essential. This position requires someone who can organise workloads, communicate clearly, maintain accountability and get the best from the dairy team.

Essential Requirements

• Previous Herd Manager, Head Herdsperson or senior dairy-management experience
• Proven experience leading and managing a dairy team
• Experience working with a large commercial dairy herd
• Excellent practical stockmanship
• Strong knowledge of herd health, fertility and milk production
• Experience managing calving, dry cows and transition periods
• Confident using herd-management records and performance data
• Strong communication, organisation and decision-making skills
• Able to take responsibility and work closely with the farm owners
• A practical, hands-on approach when required

Experience within an organic or grass-based system would be beneficial but is not essential. AI, foot-trimming or other relevant dairy qualifications would also be advantageous.

The Package

Basic salary up to £50,000, depending on experience

Good-quality family accommodation included

Overall employment package worth more than £63,000

Additional performance-related bonus

Permanent and secure position

Modern, progressive dairy operation

Genuine management responsibility and decision-making authority

Long-term opportunity within an established family farming business

This position would suit an experienced and ambitious Herd Manager who can combine outstanding stockmanship with strong people management and wants to become an important part of a substantial dairy operation.

All applications and conversations will be handled in complete confidence.