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’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.

About the role:

This role is part of the Research & Development Group and reports to the Herd Improvement Technical Manager. 

Achieving customer success and sustainability depends on delivering products and services grounded in robust scientific research, ensuring measurable value for our customers. The Research & Development Group is responsible for creating 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 the growth of LIC through the application of science. It is pivotal to bringing the principles of herd improvement alive for farmers and rural professionals through the development of dairy farm system economic modelling. 

Your Key Focus:

• Develop an excellent understanding of the NZ farming systems and how LIC’s products and services support the ongoing improvement of the NZ dairy industry.
• Model and evaluate the economic impact of LIC herd improvement products on NZ dairy farm systems.
• Support the generation of Herd Improvement extension material for the sales capability team to help build and coach the learning and development framework for Herd Improvement.
• Be actively informed on scientific knowledge and technology developments and their potential application to LIC research and business development and ensure technology and knowledge transfer into LIC.
• Show initiative and leadership in the development of new lines of research for scientific and commercial advancement and assist in integrating externally developed research into the New Zealand environment.
• Successfully complete research projects.
• Provide expertise and knowledge, networking and representing the R&D Group internally and externally, as required.
• Promote LIC R&D throughout your scientific and business networks, seeking new opportunities to extend networking and collaboration activities.
• Participate in a collaborative working environment within and across LIC teams, providing leadership and knowledge in your field of expertise.
• Develop communication and technical writing skills through publications, seminars, and research presentations, presenting LIC research developments to a range of technical, scientific, and general audiences, promoting knowledge transfer and leading by example through mentoring and internal presentations.

Your Key Skills & Experience:

• A relevant degree, or research and work experience, commensurate with this position.
• Experience and skills in economic modelling.
• Preferably at least 2-3 years of work and dairy industry experience.
• Deep knowledge of herd improvement principles, breeding schemes and dairy farming.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to relate effectively and professionally to all levels of the dairy industry, dairy farmers, and their advisors.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information and analysis to a non-technical audience.
• Ability to analyse and handle data to generate insights.
• Experience with writing technical and non-technical articles.
• Able to self-manage and operate with independence to complete role functions.
• Able to work effectively as part of a project team, involving staff of all levels with a wide range of skills, and with a number of external research and commercial organisations.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• A mix of programming and statistical skills, with a desire to further develop such skill sets, is essential.

In return: 

Our Hamilton office is located in a park-like setting, with tennis court, pool, and onsite café and social club.

Based 10 minutes from Hamilton, in a semi-rural location, the role provides the opportunity for a lifestyle change for those seeking a better work-life balance and wanting to escape the 'rat race' and cost of living in bigger cities. Alternatively, we are open to flexible and remote working arrangements.

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, including free EV charging stations.

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.

Click apply to submit your confidential application online.