LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that’s been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand’s dairy sector for more than 115 years. We’re focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on-farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.
As a proud generational co-operative, we’re here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.
Reporting to the National Farms Manager in the Operations & Service Group, you’ll play a critical role in delivering on our customer promise. This role has become available through an internal promotion, highlighting our commitment to developing and progressing our people.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the Vailes operation. You will develop high-performing leaders, lift performance standards, and ensure consistent delivery through strong systems, disciplined processes, and a culture of accountability.
With ten direct reports, you’ll lead through others — building capability, empowering decision-making, and driving results. You’ll also work in close partnership with the Centre/Tauwhare Farm Manager to effectively plan and deploy resources, ensuring seamless operational delivery.
Build, lead and empower a high-performing team of leaders, creating clear ownership, accountability, and a strong performance culture.
Drive operational excellence through effective planning, prioritisation, and resource allocation to consistently deliver on both operational and strategic objectives.
Embed robust systems, processes, and compliance standards to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across all farm operations.
Optimise bull performance and productivity by ensuring best-practice systems, data accuracy, and disciplined execution of semen collection and farm management activities.
Lead safe, sustainable, and high-standard farming practices, including strong biosecurity, animal health, and land management.
Foster strong collaboration and communication with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment, transparency, and delivery of business outcomes.
Contribute to operational and financial performance through effective workforce planning, capability development, and budget management.
Proven experience leading leaders, with the ability to drive performance through others.
Strong people leadership capability, with a track record of building engaged, high-performing teams.
Skilled in establishing, embedding, and continuously improving systems, processes, and SOPs.
Commercially astute, with experience managing budgets and optimising resources.
Highly organised, with strong planning, prioritisation, and execution capability.
A visible champion of Health & Safety and compliance, with a proactive leadership approach.
Confident communicator, able to influence and collaborate across a range of stakeholders.
Comfortable with systems and data, using insights to inform decisions and improve performance.
Solid understanding of farming systems, animal husbandry, and stock management.
Although farming experience is beneficial, it’s not essential—we’re looking for proven people leadership and strong process management skills.
In addition to a competitive salary, you'll receive some great benefits including:
Extra leave days
Flexible working options
Discounted health, life, income and disability insurances
Access to our employee shares scheme
Wellbeing discounts
Our Hamilton office is located in a park-like setting, with tennis court, pool, and onsite café and social club!
This is a highly visible and pivotal role, where you'll have plenty of opportunity to achieve great results. You'll be joining a values-led, progressive organisation, where you'll play a role in driving the future of dairy in NZ.
LIC is an agritech and herd improvement co-operative which empowers livestock farmers through the delivery of superior genetics and technology.
Headquartered at Newstead, Hamilton, we’ve got more than 800 staff based around New Zealand with offices also located in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.
We believe there’s always room for improvement and are one of New Zealand’s largest private investors in Research & Development, at more than 5% of revenue – well above the 1% NZ primary sector average.
Our innovation led-growth strategy has an ongoing focus on the core NZ dairy industry and puts our farmers at its heart.
Find out more www.lic.co.nz.
