General Manager - Ireland

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

Knowledge, skills and qualifications:

Essential:

• 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

Desirable:

• 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

Salary: £45,000 to £60,000 DOE

Benefits: Vehicle, accommodation, performance-related bonus, professional development opportunities