Dairy Herd Manager - Dorset
Application deadline: 31 October 2026, 11:59 pm UK time
Apply for this roleAbout the role
Herd Manager
Run the herd, lead the team and help drive a growing dairy business forward
Dorset | Permanent, full-time
450 cows, growing towards 500 | All-year-round calving | House provided
An established, progressive dairy business in Dorset is looking for an experienced Herd Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of its expanding dairy herd.
The farm currently milks around 450 cows and plans to grow towards 500 cows over the coming years. The farm runs an all-year-round calving system with a productive crossbred herd, focused on milk quality, cow welfare and continued performance improvement. The dairy runs a 30:30 parlour, with early-morning and afternoon milking, supported by modern herd-recording software.
The role
This is a hands-on management role for someone who can run cows, lead staff and maintain high standards across the dairy.
Responsibilities include:
- Day-to-day management of a 450-cow herd
- All-year-round calving, fresh-cow management and youngstock support
- Fertility, breeding and heat detection
- Herd health, preventative treatments and welfare
- Milk quality, hygiene and cow performance
- Milking and overseeing parlour routines
- Maintaining and using herd records
- Organising daily work and supervising staff
- Supporting the planned growth of the herd towards 500 cows
The team
You will work alongside the owners and an established team of full-time and casual staff during busier periods.
This is a role with proper responsibility. You will be expected to organise people, set standards and ensure the dairy runs properly, not simply fill a gap in the parlour.
Accommodation
A large two to three-bedroom house is provided in a nearby village, giving useful separation between work and home.
A driving licence and own transport are essential.
The opportunity
This is a growing dairy business with real scope for the right person to make the role their own. If you want responsibility, enjoy managing cows and people, and want to be part of a farm moving forward, this is worth a conversation.
Qualifications & experience
- You will ideally be an experienced Herd Manager, Head Herdsperson or Senior Herdsperson ready to step up.
- You will need good practical knowledge of all-year-round systems, fertility, calving, herd health, milk quality, staff supervision and modern dairy recording systems.
- A practical, calm and reliable approach is essential, along with the confidence to manage a sizeable herd and communicate well with the wider team.
- Must hold a recognised qualification or certification in cattle artificial insemination (AI).
- Must hold a recognised qualification or certification in cattle foot trimming.
Candidate requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.
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