LIC have been providing innovative farming solutions for over a century, and today, we're proudly NZ's leading agri-tech and dairy herd improvement cooperative. We are a part of a wider NZ Inc. and play a key role in driving economic growth in NZ. We’re actively shaping the future of agriculture, with a commitment to providing world-renowned genetics and technology products that empower dairy farmers to create sustainable and profitable farms - and we are looking for key talent to join us on the journey !

Your Role:

The Senior Sire Analyst is part of the Research & Development Group and sits in Livestock Selection, reporting to the Bull Acquisition Manager.   The Bull Acquisition team is the channel to our breeder and the dairy industry's voice. It is responsible for developing and delivering our core biological (animal) products and services to our customers.

Customer success and sustainability requires products and services developed with a rigorous science focus to ensure our products have quantifiable customer benefits. The Research & Development Group develops these technologies and systems for LIC. This position is responsible for creating opportunities for the world’s leading dairy farmers through technically sound and innovative research and to catalyse LIC's growth through science application. 

Your role is central to executing the strategic breeding vision for our genetic product portfolio. Within the context of all dairy genetics, your responsibilities include leading the specific breeding programme, defining and executing the breeding goal, and ensuring the bulls bred align with the Genetics Strategy.

You will have support from the Sire Analyst, Selection Analyst, Data Analysts and Bull Acquisition Coordinator within the Bull Acquisition team.

Collaboration is key in this role, as you will work closely with NZ Markets, Operations, and other business units to continue breeding the most elite animals to ensure maximum Genetic Gain. Your role demands a comprehensive understanding of industry needs, and you will ensure that breeding objectives align with broader LIC business objectives and capabilities.

You will also support the Bull Acquisition Manager in developing relationships with key external industry partners, Breed Societies and lead efforts to manage LIC’s engagement channels with them. Your indirect leadership responsibilities include influencing and leading through example across various departments to foster a culture of customer empathy, shared responsibility, and collective success within the organisation. Your efforts will contribute significantly to LIC’s mission by ensuring that our genetic products meet the highest innovation and market relevance standards.

Your Key Focus:

Breed and purchase bulls for the Sire Proving Scheme that ensures LIC has access to the genetic material (bulls and bull dams) it wants in the face of competitive pressures. This task is carried out in conjunction with the Bull Acquisition Manager.

To lead the day-to-day operations of the Kiwicross breeding scheme in collaboration with the Bull Acquisition Manager.

• Breed, select and purchase bulls that meet predicted future market requirements. Marketability of bulls will take account of genomic merit, BW, genetic diversity, Traits Other than Production (TOP) and specific genes of interest.

• Establish and maintain a high profile with breeders through extension, education and promotion.

• Train and educate the business.

• Assisting in the training of the Sire Analyst.

• Grow, develop and maintain internal relationships.

• Identify and develop additions or improvements to existing Bull Acquisition Systems.

Your Key Skills & Experience:

• Relevant tertiary qualification, preferably with animal science/breeding emphasis.

• Problem solving skills and analytical aptitude to develop and apply breeding strategies.

• Appreciation of global dairy genetics, trends, competitors and market forces.

• Sound knowledge of dairy farming systems, and the NZ dairy industry, including empathy with farmers, especially in livestock breeding and reproductive technology issues.

• Good verbal and written communication. Ability to write articles for field staff and farmers, and to provide technical support for internal and external customers. Able to do presentations on technical matters to a wide range of audiences.

• Able to build win-win relationships with Livestock Improvements bull breeders, and negotiate outcomes as required.

• An understanding of LIC’s products and services would be an advantage

In addition to a competitive salary, you'll receive some great benefits including:

• Extra leave days
• Flexible working options
• Discounted health, life, income and disability insurances
• Access to our employee shares scheme
• Wellbeing discounts
• Free onsite parking
• Our Hamilton office is located in a park-like setting, with tennis court, pool, and onsite café and social club!

This is a highly visible and pivotal role, where you'll have plenty of opportunity to achieve great results. You'll be joining a values-led, progressive organisation, where you'll play a role in driving the future of dairy in NZ.

The role provides the opportunity to join a progressive and forward-thinking organisation, at the cutting edge of agri-tech, where you'll play a role in driving the future of dairy in NZ.

Click apply to submit your confidential application directly to LIC for consideration.