General Manager
Posted 18 hours 6 minutes ago by Forces Recruitment Solutions Group Ltd
A large family run and innovative farm in the North of Ireland is seeking a General Manager to take full responsibility for the daily management of the farm's large herd of cows and its high performing, robotic and fully housed environment, with a clear focus on scaling these operations to become one of the best in the sector. The General Manager does not need to come from a farming or agricultural background; however, the right person must have excellent leadership, management, adaptability, ambition, vision, and be able to be hands on where necessary. Role benefits include accommodation, a company vehicle, and a performance related bonus.
Applications from ex military personnel are strongly encouraged
Key Responsibilities:- Oversee all aspects of managing a large herd of cows and its operations, with a strategic focus on scaling up these operations
- Drive productivity and efficiency in all herd related operations
- Lead herd planning initiatives to optimise the farm throughout the year
- Organise and oversee in house services that contribute to optimal herd health and fertility
- Recruit, train, and manage a growing team, fostering a culture of excellence, responsibility and continuous improvement
- Set performance standards and review team development, ensuring the right structures are in place to support expansion and innovation
- Be familiar with Lean and passionate towards a Continuous Improvement mindset for yourself and team development
- Lead by example, championing best practices in animal care, hygiene, and safety
- Monitor herd health, liaising closely with vets, nutritionists, and external advisors to ensure top tier care
- Ensure full compliance with Irish and EU regulations, maintaining strict biosecurity, hygiene, and welfare standards
- Keep accurate and timely records to meet audit requirements, including medicine usage, treatments, and welfare checks
- Maintain and oversee the efficient operation of robotic milking systems and related infrastructure, with hands on problem solving as needed
- Monitor digital herd management systems to track performance, health, and productivity KPIs
- Ensure infrastructure is well maintained and scalable to support future growth plans
- Take full financial responsibility for the dairy enterprise
- Report regularly to senior management, providing detailed operational and financial performance updates
- Evaluate cost effectiveness and identify opportunities for improved efficiencies or returns on investment
- Proven experience successfully managing teams and operations
- Strong leadership, motivational, and staff development skills
- High proficiency in interpreting data and performance metrics to inform decision making
- Is ambitious, adaptable, and can have a hands on approach
- Strong organisational and problem solving skills, with a forward thinking, proactive approach
- Full, clean driving licence
- Qualifications or experience in Agriculture, Animal Science, or a related field
- Mechanical aptitude for robotic system troubleshooting and preventive maintenance
- Understanding of fertility management, animal health, and welfare in a high output, non seasonal system
£45,000 to £60,000 DOE
Benefits:Vehicle, accommodation, performance related bonus, professional development opportunities