Team Leader and Production Manager (Bankstown)

Pleasant Point, South Canterbury Team Leader and Production Manager We are seeking a livestock professional with proven leadership experience. This is a unique opportunity to combine people management with hands‑on livestock farming in a progressive pig farming business that values work‑life balance. Experience in pork production is essential. About The Role As Team Leader & Farrowing Manager, you will lead a team of 3–4 and manage the farm’s farrowing operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading daily team meetings, delegating tasks, and communicating priorities clearly
- Supporting staff onboarding, training and development, and managing rosters
- Overseeing production – handling sows through all phases of the breeding cycle, and handling all pigs through all phases of production from birth to finishing
- Managing feed and animal health inventories
- Upholding high standards of animal welfare and biosecurity Your time will focus on team leadership but also be hands‑on. While other staff manage farrowing, machinery and beef systems, they will rely on you to help them prioritise tasks, perform at their best, and act as the link between team and owners. This role strengthens frontline leadership, giving the owners capacity to focus on strategy and growth. You will need strong communication and leadership skills, a practical approach, and a positive attitude. Why This Role? Pig farming offers a stable workload and family‑friendly roster – without the burnout of seasonal dairying. Our team works 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Mon–Fri, and the Team Leader will work light duties every third weekend. We aim for under 43 hours/week, leaving time for family, sport and community. Work is varied and team‑based, following three‑week cycles of mating, farrowing and weaning. It combines close animal care with modern infrastructure and technology. About Us Pukeroa & Oakside Farms is a 286 ha pig and beef business owned and operated by Mark and Helen Andrews. From bare land in 2004, they have developed a farrow‑to‑finish pig unit of 440 sows and finish over 10,000 pigs annually for premium brands such as Freedom Farms. The business integrates beef and cropping with cutting‑edge systems, and maintains the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental care. The herd is a high‑health unit, batch farrowed on a three‑week cycle, with AI and elite genetics. The farm uses technologies such as the Apollo electronic sow feeding system, Silometrics feed monitoring, Gallagher water monitoring and Rotecna finishing equipment. The sow herd is fully recorded in Elite Herd, with a goal of becoming a closed unit in 2026. The farm also calves 100 Angus x Charolais cows, winters young stock, and finishes up to 550 cattle annually on fodder beet and kale. Mark and Helen value family, teamwork and humour. They expect honesty and loyalty, uphold high standards of animal welfare, and as hands‑on owners have built their business on honesty, communication and continuous improvement. With recent growth, they are introducing this leadership role to improve team structure and free up time for business development. Who We’re Looking For
- Proven team leadership
- Pig farming experience (minimum 2 years), training qualification (equivalent to ITO Pork level 3)
- Strong communicator who builds positive team culture
- Practical, hands‑on, proactive problem solver
- Commitment to animal welfare, biosecurity and high farming standards What We Offer
- Competitive remuneration: $70K–$100K (hourly pay, $31–$45/hr), hourly paid
- Family‑friendly roster: Mon–Fri, under 43 hrs/week, light 1 in 3 weekend roster, guaranteed 40 hrs/week
- Supportive environment where leadership is valued and developed
- Contemporary facilities and equipment, with wet‑weather gear and boots provided
- A family‑oriented workplace that respects your time off
- Location in South Canterbury – affordable lifestyle, great schools, close‑knit community and outdoor opportunities from skiing to fishing
- Accommodation may be available depending on circumstances Other Details
- Preferred start: April 2026 (flexible for the right candidate)
- Applications are welcome from overseas and also Working Holiday Visa holders with pork industry experience – a fantastic chance to live and work in one of New Zealand’s best regions during your OE
- Full position description available on request #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3qelco