Farm Business Manager | Knobloch Farming Limited

Category : Farm Business Manager

Location : Hawke's Bay

Rural Directions

• Newly established role within a modern, large-scale operation.
• Located in the rural district of Omakere, Central Hawke’s Bay.
• Take advantage of the mentoring and support offered by the FAB.

WHERE

Knobloch Farming Limited is a family-owned farming business located in the rural district of Omakere, 15 minutes east of Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay. Comprising a total of 2000 ha and 1875 ha effective, the farm consists of five contiguous properties, with a mix of flat to medium hill country.

The business operates as a single enterprise breeding, store and finishing operation (season dependent), currently running sheep, beef, and deer with a cropping component.

Recently, the family appointed a Farm Advisory Board (FAB) to provide support and strategic advice. This large-scale operation has great potential with numerous gains to be made within this farming business.

The family views the property as a long-term investment and is supportive of improvements. Their vision for Knobloch Farming Limited, along with the FAB, is to continue to develop this property over time and fine-tune the policies to achieve aspirations of a top 10% farming business.

WHAT

The FAB seeks to appoint a Farm Business Manager to this newly established role within Knobloch Farming Limited. The appointee will join this modern, well-resourced business and be motivated to drive the large-scale farming operation to the next level while taking advantage of the mentoring and support on offer.

The appointee will be a practical, hands-on person with a proven track record and a strong understanding of how to drive animal performance and business profitability. They will be responsible for the implementation of the farm business plan and sustainable operation of Knobloch Farming Limited, as agreed with the FAB. The ability to manage positive relationships with all stakeholders involved in this business is a key performance area.

The key areas of responsibility include:

1. Business Planning and Financial Management
2. People Management
3. Stock and Operational Management
4. Pasture and Crop Management
5. Asset Management (Plant and Property)
6. Health & Safety
7. Compliance and Risk Management

The Farm Business Manager will be fully supported by the FAB to successfully achieve the agreed policies and farm goals. Initially, there will be monthly meetings with a view to quickly progress to quarterly farm meetings. The ideal person will take ownership of this role and should contribute and bring ideas to the table.

Along with a positive approach, excellent communication skills, strong planning and organisational abilities, this role requires a Farm Business Manager who can inspire the team and lead from the front with a team of working dogs under good control. The following are also key to success in this role:

• Previous farm management experience, ideally at a larger scale.
• Proven staff management and leadership experience.
• Involvement in business planning and stock policy reviews.
• A sound understanding of industry policies, standards, and regulations.
• High level of numeracy and verbal reasoning ability to fulfil recording, monitoring, and monthly reporting requirements.
• Suitable tertiary level qualification is highly desired.
• Relevant knowledge of developments in farming and the agricultural sector.
• Technical capability with farm information systems and software.
• Financial acumen (input to budgets/expenditure, P&L, and balance sheets).
• Highly organised and able to deal with multiple priorities with urgency and accuracy.
• Capable team of working dogs.
• The potential to be one of the most sought-after management roles in Hawke’s Bay.
• Great support systems in place with a FAB willing to pass on knowledge and upskill their employees.
• Chance to manage a large-scale operation with a lovely balance of contour.
• Leadership role working within an inclusive farm team, where you and your staff can develop and progress your careers.
• Be part of the journey to take the farm into the top 10%.
• Located in a thriving rural community with good schooling options nearby and within Hawke’s Bay.
• Utilisation of modern technologies and systems within the business.
• Offers a brand-new 3-bedroom family home with an office and double garage, with excellent views across the property from this home that has never been lived in.

Applications close Sunday 12th January 2025.

Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.