Farm Supervisor - Support Block Units

At Grasslands, we farm together for better. We are proud to be building a culture where people, pride, and performance come together to create lasting value for our communities, shareholders, and each other.

Are you an experienced farm professional with a passion for youngstock performance and team leadership? Grasslands is seeking a capable and motivated Farm Supervisor to lead our support block operations across the Canterbury hub.

This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving consistency, performance, and continuous improvement across multiple support blocks while contributing to the wider success of our farming business.

About the Role:

As Farm Supervisor, you will take ownership of the day-to-day management and long-term performance of our youngstock systems. You will lead people, systems, and resources to deliver excellent animal outcomes, efficient pasture utilisation, and sustainable farm practices.

You will also lead the team from the front, contributing to feeding stock well and executing the animal health calendar together with your team.

Working closely with the General Manager and wider team, you will ensure operations are aligned with business goals around productivity, herd quality, animal welfare, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational & Farm Systems Leadership

• Oversee youngstock operations across multiple properties, ensuring consistency and high standards
• Align seasonal plans, feed budgets, and stocking strategies with business objectives
• Drive performance improvements using data, benchmarking, and practical insights

Pasture, Feed & Livestock Management

• Plan and manage pasture growth, feed allocation, and supplementary feeding
• Ensure strong youngstock performance in growth, health, and welfare
• Monitor animal performance, analyse trends, and take corrective action where required
• Coordinate stock movements and maintain accurate records and reporting

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop staff across support blocks
• Set clear expectations and manage performance and workloads
• Foster a positive, high-performing team culture aligned with Grasslands values

Infrastructure & Resources

• Oversee the maintenance and effective use of farm infrastructure, machinery, and irrigation
• Ensure assets are maintained to a high standard and used efficiently

Financial & Performance Management

• Operate within budget while optimising performance outcomes
• Use data to inform decision-making and identify efficiencies
• Contribute to business planning and reporting

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong health and safety culture
• Ensure environmental compliance and best farming practices
• Maintain safe and efficient working environments for all staff

What We are Looking For:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing youngstock or similar farming systems
• Strong knowledge of pasture management and animal husbandry
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute seasonal farm operations
• Confident operating machinery and farm equipment
• Strong communication and decision-making skills
• Proactive planner and allocator of time & resources
• Understanding of environmental and regulatory requirements

Desirable

• Experience managing multiple farm blocks
• Leadership and team management experience
• Familiarity with farm systems (e.g., MINDA, Trev, Excel, Hawkeye, Agrinet)
• Relevant agricultural qualification

Why Grasslands?

You will be joining a business that:

• Prioritises animal welfare, sustainability, and long-term performance
• Invests in people development and leadership capability
• Encourages innovation and continuous improvement
• Maintains a strong focus on health, safety, and wellbeing

How to apply:

Please send your application with a CV and cover letter to [email protected]

As Grasslands is committed to a safe and healthy work environment, the successful applicant will be required to under-go pre-employment checks which may include a drug screening test. Applicants for this role must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.