Dairy Farm and Herd Operations Manager

Wright's Dairy Farm•North Smithfield, RI

8d•$85,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Dairy Farm and Herd Operations Manager leads all aspects of herd health, milk production, and daily farm operations, with direct accountability for animal welfare, operational performance, and business outcomes. This hands-on role is responsible for an excellent herd of high-producing, healthy, registered Holsteins across all life stages, including milking, dry, maternity, and young stock. The herd is housed at one cow per deep-bedded sand stall and milked 2x in a double-ten parallel parlor. It averages 90 lbs of milk at 4.3% BF and 3.4% protein, with SCC under 150,000. This Manager partners closely with the Director Crops to plan and execute the herd's forage inventory and quality needs, and pitches in when it's time to "make hay while the sun shines." As a key part of Wright's "Cow-to-Customer" model, this role ensures the highest standards of herd care while driving the milk quality, efficiency, and consistency of our customers' experience. We're looking for a business leader who can balance strategic decisions with day-to-day execution in a fast-paced, 365-day environment, and who builds a culture of accountability, safety, and care for both animals and people.

Requirements

Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred in Animal Science, Dairy Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in dairy herd management and/or farm leadership
Proven experience leading teams in an agricultural or production environment
Strong working knowledge of herd health, reproduction, nutrition, and milk production systems
Experience with herd recordkeeping and data management systems
Ability to operate tractors, skid steers, and other farm equipment
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Deep expertise in dairy herd management, including animal health, reproduction, and nutrition
Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate, coach, and hold others accountable
Data-driven mindset with experience using herd management and production tracking systems
Strong operational and business acumen
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
High level of organization with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
Mechanical aptitude with experience operating and troubleshooting farm equipment
Ability to work independently while aligning with organizational goals
Flexibility, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership

Nice To Haves

Artificial Insemination (AI) Certification and current KPI’s to prove ability
Dairy Herd Management or Herd Health Training
CPR/First Aid Certification

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all aspects of herd health management, including daily observation, early illness detection, diagnosis, and treatment decisions
Establish and maintain best-in-class animal welfare, biosecurity, and humane handling practices
Own reproductive performance, including heat detection, breeding strategy, artificial insemination coordination, and pregnancy tracking
Partner with veterinarians and nutritionists to optimize herd health, milk production, and long-term sustainability
Ensure high-quality calf care, development, and successful transition into the milking herd
Maintain accurate, timely, and actionable herd health and production records to support data-driven decision-making
Drive continuous improvement in milk quality metrics in collaboration with the Dairy team
Oversee daily farm operations to ensure efficiency, cleanliness, and adherence to all protocols across barns, milking systems, and facilities
Drive operational performance by optimizing feed utilization, labor efficiency, and herd productivity
Monitor and manage key herd and operational metrics, including production, reproduction, culling, and replacement rates
Identify operational gaps and implement improvements to enhance productivity, workflow efficiency, and cost management
Manage inventory of veterinary supplies, medications, and herd-related resources
Oversee maintenance and functionality of farm equipment and facilities, coordinating repairs as needed
Lead, coach, and develop farm staff, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable to performance and behavioral standards
Build and maintain a high-performing, safety-focused, and team-oriented culture aligned with Wright’s core values
Oversee staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning to ensure consistent coverage for a 365-day operation
Train team members on herd care protocols, safety practices, and operational procedures
Provide real-time feedback, address performance concerns, and support employee development and retention
Partner with HR and leadership on hiring, onboarding, and performance management initiatives
Facilitate regular team communication to ensure alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement
Lead ongoing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance herd performance, operational efficiency, and team effectiveness
Analyze data and trends to identify opportunities and implement solutions that improve outcomes
Partner with leadership to support long-term farm strategy, sustainability efforts, and operational growth
Contribute to cross-functional initiatives that strengthen alignment between farm operations and the broader Wright’s business
Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to livestock health, environmental standards, and workplace safety
Maintain audit and inspection readiness at all times
Enforce safety protocols for animal handling, equipment use, and workplace practices
Identify, address, and proactively mitigate operational risks
Ensure proper use of PPE and adherence to all company safety policies
Promote a culture of safety, including reporting and addressing hazards, injuries, and near-miss incidents