LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that’s been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand’s dairy sector for more than 115 years. We’re focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on-farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.

As a proud generational co-operative, we’re here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.

About the Role:   

The Livestock Selection Manager leads a team of 4 and reports into the Chief Scientist.  The Livestock Selection team is responsible for the development and data collection of our core biological animals for our genetics products and is part of the wider R&D Team.  

Customer success and sustainability requires products and services developed with a rigorous science focus to ensure our products have quantifiable benefits for customers. The Research & Development Group develops these technologies and systems for LIC.

Your role is responsible for overseeing the dairy and dairy-beef breeding programmes to ensure that we provide the genetic product teams with genetic material that ensure LIC achieves a strong market position.

Your Key Focus:  

• To manage the Livestock Selection section and personnel, with an emphasis on operating the breeding programmes and sire proving scheme such that LIC bulls occupy 80% of the top 10 RAS List positions.
• Build strong and productive relationships with key genetics roles in the business; Head of Genetics, Breeding Scheme Technical Manager, International Manager, to ensure that the breeding scheme is operating technically well and delivering the required product for the domestic and international markets.
• Explore operational efficiencies in both the breeding scheme and the sire proving scheme to enable LIC to more efficiently invest for better genetic outcomes.
• Oversee stakeholder management of breeders that provide genetic material for the LIC breeding schemes. Ensure that they are kept up to date on the key LIC breeding activities and maintain allegiance to LIC and thus ensuring greater than 85% of females are available for LIC breeding programmes.
• Manage relationships with the breed societies to develop breeding programmes that support the LIC’s genetics products. This includes the management of any applicable projects. Establish and maintain a high profile with breeders through extension, education and promotion.
• Manage relationships with reproductive providers to ensure LIC has access to the best technology for the breeding schemes.
• Have responsibility of being up to date with international dairy cattle breeding programmes and building relationships with equivalent roles in those international organisations.

About You: 

• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to lead, motivate and manage staff and build relationships.
• Sound knowledge of dairy farming systems, and the NZ dairy industry, including empathy with farmers, especially in livestock breeding and reproductive technology issues.
• Operational experience and a sound knowledge of breeding schemes.
• Experience in global dairy genetics, trends, competitors and market forces.
• Able to build win-win relationships with Livestock Improvements bull breeders, and negotiate outcomes as required.
• Problem solving skills and analytical aptitude to develop and apply breeding strategies.

In Return:  

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 with 23 EV Chargers on site; free for LIC employees to use.

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.