Head Dairyman / Head Herdsperson - #2149182

Head Dairyman / Head Herdsperson
Vacancy Reference: 63098 AB

*This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.*

Are you an experienced dairy professional with excellent herd-health knowledge?

Do you have the confidence and leadership skills to guide, support and motivate an established farm team?

Are you looking for a secure, long-term opportunity within a progressive dairy enterprise offering excellent modern facilities?

The Job Role:
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Dairyman/Head Herdsperson to join a well-established and forward-thinking dairy farming business.

The farm operates a large dairy herd and has invested significantly in modern cattle-handling, dry-cow and calving facilities. The successful person will take responsibility for herd health, veterinary coordination and the day-to-day leadership of an experienced team.

This is predominantly a herd leadership position rather than a routine milking role. Milking duties will only be required on very occasional occasions.

Location: Southern Scotland

Salary Package: Circa £40,000 - £45,000 basic salary depending on experience + accommodation available.

Excellent modern cattle-handling, dry-cow and calving facilities.

The opportunity to take responsibility for herd health within a substantial and progressive dairy enterprise.

A respected leadership position within an established farming team.

An immediate start is available for the right person.

Key Responsibilities:
Take a leading role in the health, welfare and performance of the dairy herd.

Manage and coordinate herd-health plans in conjunction with the farm's veterinary team. Working with the dry cow/ calving facility leader.

Oversee vaccination programmes and other preventative health measures.

Monitor cattle closely and identify any health or welfare concerns promptly.

Work alongside and assist the facility lead person of the dry-cow accommodation and calving facilities - ensuring between the team there is coverage across the 7 days.

Maintain accurate herd-health and treatment records.

Lead, support and motivate the existing established farm team.

Communicate priorities clearly and promote a positive working environment.

Help maintain high standards of animal welfare, cleanliness and organisation.

Liaise effectively with external contractors, including the farm's AI and foot-trimming specialists.

Support the wider management of the dairy enterprise when required.

The Ideal Candidate:
The successful applicant will ideally have:
Strong practical experience within a progressive dairy farming environment.

Excellent knowledge of dairy herd health, welfare and preventative healthcare.

Experience managing veterinary requirements and vaccination programmes.

Previous supervisory, team-leading or management experience.

The credibility and practical understanding required to gain the respect of an experienced team.

A calm, measured and motivational leadership style.

Excellent communication and organisational skills.

The ability to lead confidently without being confrontational.

A proactive and responsible approach to animal welfare.

A genuine interest in securing a stable, long-term position.

Practical AI and foot-trimming skills are not essential, as specialist external contractors are already used. However, applicants must possess strong herd-health knowledge and be confident coordinating these services.

Couple Considered:
Applications may also be considered from an experienced farming couple. The second person could provide practical support within the dry-cow facilities and across the wider dairy operation.

Keywords:
Dairy Herdsperson, Head Herdsperson, Herd Manager, Dairy Herd Manager, Herdsperson, Head Dairyman, Dairy Manager, Senior Herdsperson, Dairy Farm Manager, Head Herdsman, Dairy Herd Health, Herd Performance, Dairy Farming, Dairy Herd, Progressive Dairy, Animal Health, Cattle Handling, Agricultural and Farming Jobs, Agri FJ.

How to apply:

Please click on the APPLY NOW button.

Please send your CV to; Angel Bains - Recruitment Delivery Consultant

*As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, we do require that ALL applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification which is relevant and necessary for the job that you are applying for.*

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, please be advised that only those short listed for an interview will be contacted. Please be assured that your job application will be managed in complete confidence and your personal details will not be passed to any third party without your prior permission. Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide outstanding recruitment head-hunting and job advertising services. We are the trusted recruitment partner of choice to industry leading organisations across the UK and Internationally. We recruit specifically for all roles within the sectors of: Agriculture, Farming, Horticulture, Food and Fresh Produce, Vet, Pet and Animal Health, Agrochemicals, Fertilisers and Seeds, Software and Technology, Machinery, Technical and Engineering and specialist Education.