Farm Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Farm Manager to lead the Balmoral SH7 farming operations in North Canterbury. This is a permanent full-time position offering an opportunity to step into a leadership role within a significant farming enterprise. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, the Farm Manager will steer the performance of the farm business by focussing on production, financial, environmental, personnel, health and safety, and animal welfare outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong visible leadership on the farm, uniting the team, livestock, grazing systems, and resources to achieve safe, efficient, sustainable, and profitable results.
• Take ownership of the overall farm outcomes, including production and financial goals, while actively managing risks and seizing opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance farm systems and operational plans, adapting to seasonal changes, resource availability, and challenges.
• Coordinate activities related to livestock, grazing, infrastructure, and workforce to ensure clear communication and effective delivery.
• Manage farm budgets and resources—such as feed, livestock, labour, and infrastructure—emphasizing profitability and controlling costs.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-achieving team by fostering accountability, skill development, engagement, and adequate coverage for critical roles.
• Supervise maintenance operations, tractor use, weed and pest control, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Champion and uphold standards of health and safety, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, cultural respect, and Ngāi Tahu values throughout the farm operations.

Who You Are

• You have at least 6 years’ practical farming experience, including three or more years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Experienced in farm business strategy, budgeting, financial oversight, and achieving production and financial benchmarks.
• Skilled in livestock management, pasture evaluation, feed budgeting and allocation, with proficiency in Farmax software and parasite control techniques.
• Committed to health and safety leadership, cultivating a safe and responsible working culture with high performance standards.
• Holder of a current full New Zealand Driver Licence and a valid First Aid Certificate.
• Preferably knowledgeable in large-scale dairy support, grazing, finishing, or mixed farming systems, and ideally possess a tertiary qualification in agriculture or an equivalent credential.
• Open to embracing and learning Ngāi Tahu cultural values, tikanga and te reo Māori as part of participating in a bicultural work environment.

About Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

The organisation operates as a group integrating the Office of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tahu Holdings, which manage diverse commercial enterprises including tourism, seafood, forestry, farming, property, and investments. Rooted in the ethos "mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri, ā muri ake nei" (for us and our children after us), the group is focused on sustainable prosperity and well-being of current and future generations.

Why Join Us?

This role presents an exciting pathway for career progression within a forward-thinking farming business committed to sustainability and innovation. The Farm Manager position is part of a new leadership framework designed to foster talent growth, succession planning, and advancement across Ngāi Tahu Farming.

We encourage you to apply and contribute towards shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for us all – mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.