At Bluebell Dairy, farming is at the heart of everything we do. Our livestock play a vital role in helping thousands of visitors each year connect with British agriculture.
From lambing and calf rearing to daily animal encounters and seasonal events, we give people the opportunity to experience farming first-hand. We are passionate about showcasing modern British farming, inspiring the next generation and sharing the stories behind our animals both on the farm and through our digital channels.
We are looking for an experienced Livestock Manager to lead our livestock enterprise across a range of species. This is a hands-on role that offers genuine variety, responsibility and the opportunity to shape the future of our livestock operation.
Unlike larger commercial farms, our focus is on milk production for ourselves, breeding for our farm park, education and visitor engagement rather than intensive production. You'll have the chance to build strong relationships with your livestock, work at a sustainable pace and help visitors gain a real understanding of farming while leading a small, dedicated team.
At present, the primary focus of this role is the management of our wider livestock enterprise (sheep, goats, pigs, poultry etc) rather than the overall management of the dairy herd. However, as Bluebell Dairy continues to develop, there are exciting plans for the successful candidate to become increasingly involved in the management and strategic direction of the dairy herd. This role offers the opportunity to grow alongside the business, taking on greater responsibility and helping shape the future of our farming operation.
If you're passionate about livestock, want to play a key role in promoting British farming in a unique and rewarding environment and enjoy a better work life balance then we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
Livestock Management
- Take overall responsibility for the welfare, health and day-to-day management of livestock across the business.
- Manage breeding programmes, herd and flock performance, medicine records and statutory compliance requirements.
- Forward planning calving patterns to ensure milk supply is sufficient for ice cream production during March-August
- Plan and oversee grazing strategies, pasture utilisation and grassland management.
- Monitor livestock performance and identify opportunities to improve welfare, productivity and operational efficiency.
- Organise the movement, loading and transportation of livestock, including market sales, purchases and transfers.
- Ensure livestock buildings, handling systems, fencing and equipment are maintained safely and efficiently, carrying out minor repairs where appropriate.
- Work closely with the business owners to develop breeding programmes and the future direction of the livestock enterprise.
- Assist with Red Tractor inspections
Team Leadership
- Lead, support and develop a small team of Livestock Assistants, seasonal staff and contractors.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for livestock tasks.
- Provide training and promote safe, consistent working practices.
- Maintain excellent standards of health and safety across all livestock operations.
- Rota planning
Visitor Experience
- Work alongside the Farm Park Manager to create engaging livestock demonstrations, seasonal activities and educational experiences.
- Help bring British farming to life by speaking with visitors and sharing your knowledge.
- Contribute livestock stories, updates and content ideas for marketing and social media.
Person SpecificationExperience
- Extensive practical livestock management experience across a range of species.
- Strong knowledge of animal welfare, breeding, nutrition and herd/flock health.
- Experience buying, selling and managing livestock within a commercial farming environment.
- Experience of dairy herd management would be preferred, though this is not essential as this is an area that the role can develop into
Skills
- Excellent practical husbandry skills.
- Able to balance livestock management with visitor engagement.
- Confident communicating with members of the public and representing British farming positively.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor and develop a team.
- Well organised with good planning and decision-making abilities.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about livestock, farming and educating others.
- Committed to high standards of animal welfare.
- Self-motivated, resourceful and proactive.
- Calm under pressure with a practical approach to problem solving.
- Takes ownership and accountability.
- Open to new ideas and continuous improvement.
- Shares Bluebell Dairy's values and vision.
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Experience:
- livestock care: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
