Salary: £34,866 - £45,163 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 08 December 2024
The Role
NU Farms have a unique opportunity for a Dairy Manager based at Nafferton Farm, Stocksfield NE43 7XD
The dairy unit comprises 250 cows with a split spring and autumn block calving system based at Nafferton Farm. It is part of Newcastle University Farms an 800-hectare mixed farming unit with arable and beef enterprises alongside the dairy. The unit provides a resource for teaching and research alongside normal operations making this farm incredibly unique. Click here to hear more about us.
Reporting to the Farms Director the Dairy Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the unit ensuring it is effectively and efficiently managed, including maintaining animal welfare of the highest standard and directly managing the dairy team and contractors. In addition, the postholder will act as the responsible person on site when the Farms Director is not site.
In order to be successful in this role you will be experienced and knowledgeable manager of dairy herds, you will be a competent line manager of up to 5 (season dependent) and be fully knowledgeable of health and safety and legal requirements in respect of cattle management. This unique position will provide you the chance to support real experiences, NU Farms run as a commercial enterprise but offer the flexibility and opportunity for creativity and exploration in order to help pave the future of farming
The post holder will be expected to live on site in the farmhouse which will be let under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.
For more information about this role feel free to contact James.standen@newcastle.ac.uk
To apply please upload CV and cover letter evidencing how you meet the person criteria of the job description.
Closing date: 8th December 2024
Interviews will be held: 16th December 2024
Key Accountabilities
* Responsible for the management of the unit on a day-to-day basis, including supervising youngstock management on another unit.
* Effective management and development of the dairy team.
* With the Farms Director, plan cost and implement a programme which will deliver agreed financial targets.
* Lead on technical information such as nutrition, breeding and genetics and animal health.
* Responsible for accurately maintaining required herd records for management and legal requirements such as BCMS, medicine book, farm assurance and Arla Garden.
* Ensure the unit meets all necessary hygiene standards regarding livestock, equipment and buildings.
* Ensure the unit complies with all health and safety regulations and legal requirements.
* Leading and directing the team on feeding, hygiene and welfare duties.
* Managing agricultural contractors.
* Managing, supervising, helping, and instructing the Dairy team on a task-by-task basis.
* Respond to urgent Dairy-specific enquiries using an In-depth knowledge of Dairy farming and animal welfare.
* Decide on the most appropriate course of action to meet targets, setting clear goals and boundaries.
* Build positive relationships with external stakeholders such as vets, nutritionists, foot trimmers and AI technicians to improve cow performance, welfare, health and nutrition
* Manage deliveries & visitors into and out of site, ensuring safety, timeliness, biosecurity, and security protocols are met.
* Rota creation and liaison with colleagues to ensure appropriate cover is in place as responsible person.
* Assisting with research trials where applicable and student / visitor interaction, using your knowledge, skills and decision making to enhance their experience, research and learning profile.
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* In-depth knowledge of and a passion for modern dairy farming.
* Understanding of work practices, processes and procedures relevant to the role
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to working in a farm environment and the implications of non-compliance.
* Experience of working to and meeting tight deadlines.
* Excellent attention to detail.
* Confident working with people at all levels within an organisation and ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships.
* Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Demonstrable experience of manual skills relating to dairy farming.
Desirable
* Management experience in an agricultural context.
* IT skills including the ability to utilise packages such as Microsoft Office.
Attributes and Behaviour
* Displays a passion for continuing professional development.
* Innovative and open to change.
* Constantly looks for improvements to Dairy management and keep abreast of industry changes.
* Uses sound judgement and decision-making work on practices, techniques, and theory to improve the animal welfare, service quality and production at the dairy.
* Is collegial and collaborative in communication style and work practices.
Qualifications
* Degree / HND in Agriculture or a related field or demonstrable experience in a similar role.
* Full current driving licence
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 27778