Looking for Jobs in Southland, New Zealand? Fonterra is advertising for a permanent, full-time Farms Manager at its Edendale Farms. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced farming leader or someone with the ability and ambition to take the next step into a large-scale farm management position. The role oversees pasture management, livestock, infrastructure, environmental responsibilities, and day-to-day farm operations.
Fonterra has an extensive network of dairy and dry-stock farms across New Zealand. Its farms support processing operations through sustainable and environmentally responsible use of factory wastewater, along with best-practice land, water, and environmental management.
The Edendale Farms are part of Fonterra’s South Island farming portfolio and support the wider agricultural and manufacturing operations in Southland.
Job Description – Farms Manager
| Job Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Position | Farms Manager |
| Company | Fonterra |
| Location | Southland, New Zealand |
| Farm Location | Edendale |
| Job ID | 17106 |
| Department / Role Type | Farming |
| Employment Type | Permanent Full Time |
| Workplace Type | On-site |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Average Working Hours | 50 hours per week |
| Weekend Work | Every second or third weekend, as the season requires |
| Housing | Company-provided four-bedroom house |
| Application Closing Date | Midnight, Sunday 20 September 2026 |
About the Farms Manager Position
Edendale Farms is a well-established dry-stock and cut-and-carry farming operation of approximately 1,100 hectares. Each year, the farm targets approximately 10 million kilograms of silage to be harvested for supply to local Fonterra farmer shareholders.
The operation also accommodates sheep and hogget grazing as part of a closed-loop farming system. The Farms Manager will oversee a small team of two and work with the wastewater and irrigation teams to ensure farm systems are effective in supporting wastewater application requirements.
Health, safety, and environmental responsibility are integral to this position. The successful candidate will also have a strong focus on safe and efficient operations and will be responsible for identifying and implementing farm improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities of a Farms Manager
The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Edendale farming operation.
Main responsibilities include:
- Supervising daily farm activities involving pasture, livestock, and infrastructure.
- Working with wastewater and irrigation teams.
- Ensuring farm systems are appropriate for wastewater application.
- Supervising harvest programs and contractors.
- Building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
- Optimising pasture production and quality.
- Taking responsibility for animal health and agronomy activities.
- Supporting farm development activities.
- Maintaining a safe, efficient, and high-performing farm environment.
- Engaging employees and building team capability.
- Identifying and implementing opportunities for farm improvement.
- Supporting Fonterra’s broader manufacturing and agricultural objectives.
Farms Manager Job Requirements
Fonterra is looking for an experienced farming leader or a candidate who has the potential and drive to develop into a larger farm management role.
Applicants should ideally possess:
- Broad experience in farm management.
- Experience managing multiple blocks or large-scale farming operations.
- Excellent knowledge of agronomy and pasture management.
- Strong knowledge of animal health.
- Good communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working collaboratively with various teams and business units.
- Good operational planning skills.
- Contractor management experience.
- Good computer skills.
- Confidence in using technology to support farm operations.
- A hands-on approach.
- Willingness to participate actively in farm operations as needed.
The right candidate will also enjoy working in a small team and value strong working relationships. They should be keen to learn and motivated to grow their career within a large organisation.
Salary Package & Benefits
Fonterra has described this Farms Manager opportunity as offering a competitive package. The position includes a four-bedroom house provided by the company on the Edendale site.
The company provides a range of benefits and support for its employees, which may include:
- Fair and equitable pay.
- Health and wellbeing programs.
- Medical and mental health assistance.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Career development support.
- Work-life balance options where available.
- Employee recognition.
- Community engagement and cultural connection support.
Candidates are advised to confirm the full remuneration package and terms of employment with Fonterra, as the actual salary amount is not stated in the job posting.
Eligibility
This Farms Manager role in Southland is suitable for someone with farming experience and a strong knowledge of:
- Pasture management.
- Agronomy.
- Animal health.
- Large-scale farm operations.
- Farm leadership and management.
Suitable candidates who are willing to take the next step in their farming career may also be considered if they can demonstrate the required capability and leadership potential.
Fonterra encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and states that candidates do not necessarily have to meet every requirement listed to apply.
How to Apply for Farms Manager Jobs with Fonterra
Interested candidates should prepare an updated application highlighting their:
- Farming management experience.
- Leadership skills.
- Operational planning abilities.
- Knowledge of pasture and livestock.
- Experience working with contractors.
- Experience working with different teams and business units.
Application Closing Date
Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
Candidates can apply directly by clicking the “Apply Now” button provided with the job listing.
Please make sure that all required information is accurate and complete before submitting your application.
