Dairy Herd Manager

Overview

Dairy Herd Manager - X2 Positions Available
Vacancy Reference: 54968 AB

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Are you an experienced Dairy Herd Manager? Do you have people management experience? Have you got training in herd management software, particularly Uniform Agri?

An established mixed farming business.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Dairy Herd Manager to lead and manage an organic, regenerative dairy operation. The Dairy Herd Manager will support in overseeing the day-to-day management of the herd, with a strong focus on staff leadership, herd health and fertility, milking operations and grazing management.

The successful Dairy Herd Manager will bring expertise in calf health, nutrition, artificial insemination, foot trimming and data-driven decision-making. Proficiency in Uniform Agri software is essential, alongside training in Cow Signals and ROMS locomotion, to ensure optimal herd performance and welfare.

As Dairy Herd Manager, you will work closely with vets, foot trimmers, nutritionists and specialist suppliers, building a strong support team network. Leading by example, driving team engagement with strong communication, and using data to meet estate-wide targets and objectives will be central to this role.

There are X2 positions available in different locations – one based in North West England and one based in the East Anglia Region.

£40,000 - £45,000 basic salary depending on skills and experience + accommodation available + benefits.

• Cleanliness and Pride
  :
  Maintain a "show farm" standard across the dairy unit, reflecting frequent public visits and events. Ensure the farm is consistently tidy, well-presented and professionally managed.
• Staff Management
  :
  Manage and organise staff rotas to ensure efficient daily and seasonal dairy operations, covering all aspects of herd management, including milking, feeding, routine tasks. Train, mentor and motivate staff, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and farm operations. Lead by example with clear communication and data-driven performance management. Develop, update and implement clear protocols and procedures to structure workloads and accountability.
• Milking Operations
  :
  Lead and oversee all milking operations, ensuring procedures are followed to maintain milk quality and herd health. Set and achieve targets for milk quality and yields. Review and implement robust milking protocols; coordinate with engineers/contractors to resolve parlour, tank or refrigeration issues.
• Grazing Management
  :
  Support planning and management of grazing schedules to optimise pasture use and animal nutrition. Monitor grass growth and quality, provide weekly paddock management updates, and coordinate with tractor operators. Record plate meter readings as required.
• Calf Health and Nutrition
  :
  Manage calf rearing practices, ensuring health, growth and welfare of young stock. Implement and monitor feeding programs. Manage cow colostrum with experience in storage, thawing and testing being an advantage. Monthly weighing and weight recording to meet contracts. Aim to reduce calf mortality and improve weights.
• Artificial Insemination
  :
  Lead AI programmes and procedures to ensure breeding success and genetic improvement. Coordinate with external providers for staff cover during shortages. Target a strong submission rate (>75%), heat detection, and a pregnancy rate close to 30% (or empty rate