Dairy Farm Operations Manager
Full-Time I Onsite I $90,000โ$110,000 Annually I Potential for Domestic Relocation Assistance (U.S.-based candidates only)
Lead One of New England's Most Recognized Cow-to-Customer Dairy Operations
At Wright's Dairy Farm, the work begins with our cows and ends with the products our customers bring home to their families.
As a fifth-generation family-owned dairy farm operating since 1914, we take pride in controlling the process from herd care to customer experience. Our Dairy Farm Operations Manager plays a critical role in that mission by leading herd health, milk production, reproduction, and daily farm operations for our 130+ Holstein cows.
This is not a desk job. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants to be in the barn, in the operation, and alongside the team. We're looking for a leader who takes ownership, makes sound decisions, develops people, and drives results.
If you're passionate about dairy cattle, operational excellence, and building a strong team culture, we'd like to meet you.
Why This Role Matters
This position offers the opportunity to:
- Lead a well-established dairy operation with direct impact on product quality and business performance
- Partner directly with ownership to drive continuous improvement
- Influence herd health, reproduction, milk quality, and production outcomes
- Build, coach, and develop a dedicated farm team
- Help shape the future of a respected, multi-generational agricultural business
What You'll Lead
Herd Health, Production amp; Animal Welfare
- Lead all aspects of herd health, including daily observation, diagnosis, treatment decisions, and preventative care
- Manage reproduction performance through heat detection, breeding strategy, and AI coordination
- Partner with veterinarians, nutritionists, and industry professionals to maximize herd health and productivity
- Ensure exceptional calf care and successful development into the milking herd
- Monitor milk quality and production performance
- Maintain accurate herd records and use data to drive operational decisions
Farm Operations amp; Business Performance
- Oversee daily operations across barns, milking systems, facilities, and livestock care
- Drive efficiency in labor utilization, feed management, and herd productivity
- Monitor key performance indicators, including:
- Milk production
- Reproduction performance
- Somatic cell count and milk quality
- Culling and replacement rates
- Feed efficiency
- Identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable solutions
- Manage farm inventory and coordinate equipment maintenance
Leadership amp; Team Development
- Lead, Manage, and Hold Team Members Accountable (LMA)
- Build a positive, safety-focused, high-performance culture
- Schedule and oversee staffing for a 365-day operation
- Train and develop team members on herd care, safety practices, and operational standards
- Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and employee development
Safety, Compliance amp; Continuous Improvement
- Maintain compliance with all animal welfare, environmental, and workplace safety requirements
- Ensure audit readiness and adherence to farm standards
- Identify risks and proactively address operational challenges
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve performance, efficiency, and team effectiveness
What Success Look Like
The successful candidate will help deliver:
- Strong milk quality and production results
- Excellent herd health and reproductive performance
- Efficient and well-organized farm operations
- A safe and engaged workforce
- Reliable execution of daily responsibilities
- Continuous operational improvement
What You Bring
- 5+ years of dairy herd management, dairy operations, or farm leadership experience
- Direct experience managing herd health, reproduction, milk production, and livestock performance
- Experience leading, coaching, and developing employees
- Strong understanding of dairy nutrition, animal welfare, and production management
- Experience utilizing herd management software such as DairyComp, PCDart, or similar systems
- Ability to operate farm equipment, including tractors, skid steers, and related machinery
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Valid driver's license
Preferred
- Artificial Insemination (AI) Certification
- Dairy Herd Management or Herd Health Training
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science, Dairy Science, Agriculture, or related field
- CPR and First Aid Certification
What Makes Someone Successful Here
You may be a great fit if you:
- Prefer being in the barn rather than behind a desk
- Take ownership of outcomes and follow through on commitments
- Use data to make informed decisions
- Hold people accountable while earning their respect
- Thrive in fast-paced environments where no two days are the same
- Enjoy solving problems and improving systems
- Want to leave an operation better than you found it
What to Expect- Full-time, year-round position
- Schedule includes weekends, holidays, and emergency response as needed
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Daily interaction with livestock and farm equipment
- Leadership responsibility in a 365-day agricultural operation
Why Wright's- Fifth-generation family-owned business operating since 1914
- One of Rhode Island's most recognized agricultural brands
- Unique Cow-to-Customer business model
- Opportunity to directly impact product quality and customer experience
- Leadership role with visibility, influence, and growth potential
- Collaborative ownership team committed to operational excellence
Compensation amp; Benefits- $90,000โ$110,000 annual salary
- Relocation assistance available for qualified U.S.-based candidates
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation Time
- Employee Discount on Wright's Products
- Professional Development Opportunities
- And More...
Ready to Apply?
If you're looking for an opportunity to lead a dairy operation, develop a team, and make a lasting impact on a respected agricultural business, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and tell us about your experience leading dairy herd health, farm operations, and people.
Wrightโs Dairy Farm amp; Bakery is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We operate a drug-free environment and adhere to ADA regulations as applicable.