Assistant Farm Manager

Job Name

Assistant Farm Manager

General Information

Date Published

10-Sep-2026

Advertising Ends

24-Sep-2026

ID#

17123

Role Type

Farming

Work Type

Permanent Full-Time

Workplace Type

On-site

Country

New Zealand

Location

Hamilton & North Waikato

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

Join us as an Assistant Farm Manager and play a vital role in supporting the Farms Manager to achieve national and global objectives. Our Te Rapa and Orini farm blocks cover approximately 70 hectares where we milk 200 dairy cows and our Orini block 130 hectares where we annually export off farm around 700 tonne of dry matter in grass silage along with grazing dairy replacements.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

As Assistant Farm Manager, you'll play an important role in supporting the Farm Manager to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of two dairy farms that receive factory wastewater applications. These farms are an integral part of Fonterra's environmental management system, balancing nutrient inputs from manufacturing activities with sound farming practices to support long-term sustainability and compliance.

You'll help foster a strong health and safety culture while contributing to the day-to-day success of the farming operation. When the Farm Manager is away, you'll confidently step into a leadership role, overseeing daily farm activities, implementing grazing plans, maintaining high dairy shed standards, and coordinating contractors and key stakeholders.

Alongside supporting and motivating your team, you'll be involved in a variety of practical farming responsibilities, including fencing, spraying, machinery operation, and general farm maintenance. You'll ensure farm equipment and vehicles are well maintained, keep accurate animal health and production records, and contribute to the environmental performance of the farms. Your work will play a key role in supporting the ongoing success of Fonterra's Te Rapa Manufacturing site and DairyFerts licence to operate.

About You | Mōu

You're an experienced farming professional with a passion for the dairy industry and a genuine commitment to achieving great outcomes. With at least two years' practical dairy farming experience, you're confident managing day-to-day farm operations, maintaining high standards, and working safely in a fast-paced environment.

A proactive and reliable self-starter, you'll bring strong livestock, pasture, and people management skills, along with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders.

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Proven experience in an Assistant Farm Manager or similar leadership role
• Sound knowledge of dairy farming operations, including mating, reproduction, and animal health
• Strong stock and pasture management capability
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards
• A positive attitude, practical mindset, and willingness to roll up your sleeves
• A strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental management
• Well-developed communication and stakeholder management skills
• Relevant dairy farming qualifications or industry training would be advantageous

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high-performing team and play a meaningful role in supporting sustainable farming practices connected to one of Fonterra's key manufacturing sites.

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 Thursday 24th September 2026.

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