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 Operations and System Manager is a senior leadership role within LIC’s Research & Development group, reporting to the Livestock Selection Manager.

This newly created role was established in response to the growing scale and complexity of Livestock Selection and will lead and optimise the operational, data, and systems foundations that underpin the successful delivery of Livestock Selection breeding programmes and Sire Proving (SPS).

Working in close partnership with the Breeding and SPS Managers, you share accountability for the end‑to‑end breeding pipeline — from the selection and acquisition of elite bull candidates through to successful breeding and sire proving programmes. You will ensure operations, processes, data systems, reporting, and workflows are robust, scalable, and well governed, enabling technical specialists to focus on genetic strategy, science, and customer outcomes.

The role is a hands-on role, that leads a small, high‑performing team across administration, development, and analytics.

Your Key Focus:

Operational Leadership

• Lead day‑to‑day operations across Livestock Selection, aligning delivery with strategic priorities.

• Oversee operational planning, resourcing, and workflows across breeding programmes and SPS.

• Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, consistency, and delivery outcomes.

Systems & Data Management

• Lead the operational use and ongoing development of data systems and tools.

• Ensure data quality, reporting, and systems support sound decision‑making and compliance.

• Act as the key link between Livestock Selection, and systems, data, and technology teams.

Governance, Process & Risk

• Establish clear, effective operational processes and controls.

• Maintain strong data governance, auditability, and risk management.

• Identify operational risks and lead mitigation actions.

People & Capability Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop team members across operations, systems, and data.

• Build capability in operational excellence, data literacy, and systems thinking.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner closely with leaders, specialists, and cross‑functional teams to align operations with business needs.

• Build strong internal relationships to support seamless delivery across R&D and the wider organisation.

• Communicate operational performance, insights, and improvement initiatives.

About You:

• Preferably you'll hold a relevant tertiary qualification in science, agriculture, business, technology, data, or a related discipline

• Demonstrated experience in operations management, systems management, and/or data-enabled environments

• Proven leadership capability, including people leadership and the ability to influence across cross-functional teams

• Strong analytical skills, with experience managing complex data sets, systems, or operational workflows

• Highly developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and effectively manage others

• Experience driving continuous improvement, process optimisation, and sound operational governance

• An understanding of dairy farming systems and the New Zealand dairy industry, with empathy for farmers; knowledge of livestock breeding and reproductive technologies would be an advantage

• A high level of organisational, problem-solving, and prioritisation skills, with the ability to balance competing demands in a dynamic environment

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

• 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.