Job Description
Farm Manager – Lead Sustainable Performance at Waka Dairies
730 Cows I 54 Bale Rotary I 230Ha (effective) I 474,500 KgMS I Dannevirke
Waka Dairies is a progressive dairy business with a clear ambition: to be a leading producer, not just a leading farm. That means strong performance on-farm, great people leadership and a practical commitment to the future of food, environmental outcomes and energy-smart farming.
Based at Te Rehunga, this is an opportunity for a Farm Manager who wants to lead a great team, run a sharp system and be part of a business thinking beyond “just milk”, with infrastructure already in place that opens real options as the industry evolves.
About Waka Dairies
Waka Dairies operates a well-resourced 730 Cow split-calving system with modern infrastructure (including a 54-bail rotary, in-shed feeding, a feed pad and a compost barn). The set-up is designed to support consistent delivery, animal comfort, resilience in wet seasons and operational efficiency, giving a Farm Manager the platform to lead well and keep lifting outcomes over time.
Five areas that shape how we farm
- Food – producing world-class product, with an eye on what’s next. Waka Dairies has a broader view of the land and what it can sustainably produce over time, thinking in terms of food production opportunities and how a high-performing farm system can support future diversification.
- Natural Capital – building a healthier farm ecosystem. This is a business that sees value in improving the farm’s natural systems: practical steps like compost use, smart land management and retiring/planting areas to support biodiversity and stronger habitats.
- Culture – a farm that people want to be part of. Culture is treated as a performance driver, Waka Dairies is proud of a fun environment, including a family day on farm and values people who lead with positivity, standards and genuine care.
- Skills – learning, leadership and lifting capability. The business invests in people and expects leaders to do the same. This role suits someone who enjoys coaching, developing talent and building capability as well as learning themselves.
- Energy – practical innovation and reducing impact. Waka Dairies is future-facing on energy and environmental footprint; including interest in solar/wind, recognising the value of compost, focusing on reducing leaching and minimising impacts on the environment, including greenhouse gases, through good system decisions and disciplined execution.
The role
As Farm Manager, you’ll take full ownership of day-to-day farm leadership and performance, while working closely with the wider business (CEO / Operations support). You’ll lead a capable on-farm team and set the standard for execution, culture, and care.
What you’ll bring & what you’ll own
- Lead the on-farm team with clarity and consistency, building a strong team culture in a fun, family-friendly, high-trust environment — and bring a confident, professional communication style as Waka Dairies regularly hosts school and community visits, helping connect people to farming in a positive way.
- Own day-to-day farm performance — milk quality, animal health and welfare, feeding and pasture delivery, repro, and young stock outcomes — with strong standards and follow-through.
- Plan and execute seasonal priorities (calving, mating, wintering, pasture renewal, cropping and supplement use), using technology and data to stay ahead, solve problems early and lift results.
- Drive safe, compliant farming practices — H&S, systems, and farm presentation — leading by example on expectations and behaviours.
- Bring proven leadership experience (Farm Manager, or a ready-step-up 2IC with strong capability) with a calm, organised approach that earns trust and brings people with you.
Why Farm Managers choose Waka Dairies?
This Farm Manager role is for someone who is looking to develop and sharpen their farming and business skills and position themselves strongly in the Dairy Industry, giving them the edge for the next step in their career.
Waka Dairies is a farm where performance and sustainability go hand-in-hand, backed by modern infrastructure, strong operational support and a genuinely people-first approach. You’ll step into a high-performing system and gain real insight into farming sustainably (and what’s next for the industry), while working for a business that values its team through fair, consistent employment conditions: a great roster (5 on / 2 off, moving to 6 on / 2 off over peak), paid hourly on approximately 50 hours per week and leaders who back you to lead well.
If you would like to step into a Farm Manager role where great people, smart systems and real pride in how you farm come together — and where you’re supported with a strong roster, paid hourly conditions, and a business that genuinely values its team — apply now and lead a team you’ll enjoy being part of.
APPLY HERE >> Farm Manager – Lead Sustainable Performance at Waka Dairies in Manawatu-Wanganui, NZ
🔗 Learn more about the farm here: Waka Dairies Farm Information 2026.pdf
🌿 Take a tour of the farm: Farm Tour of Waka Dairies
💬 For a confidential discussion, contact Nicola on nicola@no8hr.com