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:   

This role sits within Livestock Selection, part of LIC’s Research & Development group, reporting to the Breeding Manager.

As a Breeding Specialist – Dairy, you will lead specific dairy breeding programmes, focusing on the acquisition and selection of elite bulls to drive genetic gain. You will play a key role in delivering LIC’s strategic breeding vision and strengthening our genetic product portfolio.

Collaboration is central to this role. You will work closely with a range of internal teams and R&D to ensure breeding objectives align with industry needs and wider business priorities. You will also support the Breeding Manager in building strong relationships with key external partners, including breeders and breed societies.

While not a people leader, you will influence across teams, encouraging a culture of customer focus, shared ownership, and collective success.

Your Key Focus:

• Strategic Breeding Leadership: Lead designated dairy breeding programmes, defining breeding goals and ensuring access to elite bulls and bull dams aligned to LIC’s genetic strategy.

• Bull Acquisition: Identify, evaluate, and acquire bulls that meet current and future market needs, considering Breeding Worth, genomic diversity, and priority traits.

• Breed Leadership: Act as breed lead for assigned programmes, with oversight across Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Kiwicross© populations.

• Industry Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with breeders, breed societies, and key stakeholders to ensure programmes meet customer and industry expectations.

• Genetic & Market Insight: Analyse global genetics trends, competitive activity, and market demand to inform breeding decisions and future schemes.

• Internal Collaboration & Mentorship: Work closely with internal teams to deliver successful breeding outcomes and support the development of junior team members.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance bull acquisition systems and processes in line with LIC’s long-term breeding objectives.

Your Skills & Experience:

• You may be a breeding specialist with strong commercial acumen; or you could also be a seasoned Agri Manager with excellent analytical prowess and the ability to learn genetic science.

• A tertiary qualification in animal science or genetics, and/or at least 4 years’ experience in dairy breeding with proven expertise in genetic analysis and bull selection.

• Strong analytical capability with experience applying breeding and genetic strategies.

• Knowledge of global dairy genetics, competitor activity, and market dynamics.

• Sound understanding of New Zealand dairy farming systems and empathy for farmers’ challenges.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to both industry experts and farmers.

• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and negotiate successful outcomes with breeders.

• Demonstrated leadership and influence across teams and functions.

• Familiarity with LIC products and services (advantageous).

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!

If you're after a rewarding career that offers development, learning and loads of exceptional experiences then look no further, you've found it. At LIC we are leading the way and we would love to welcome you to the team.