Dairy Farm Operations Manager
Full-Time I Onsite I $90,000–$110,000 Annually I Potential for Domestic Relocation Assistance (U.S.-based candidates only)
Lead One of New England's Most Recognized Cow-to-Customer Dairy Operations
At Wright's Dairy Farm, the work begins with our cows and ends with the products our customers bring home to their families.
As a fifth-generation family-owned dairy farm operating since 1914, we take pride in controlling the process from herd care to customer experience. Our Dairy Farm Operations Manager plays a critical role in that mission by leading herd health, milk production, reproduction, and daily farm operations for our 130+ Holstein cows.
This is not a desk job. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants to be in the barn, in the operation, and alongside the team. We're looking for a leader who takes ownership, makes sound decisions, develops people, and drives results.
Why This Role Matters
This position offers the opportunity to:
- Lead a well-established dairy operation with direct impact on product quality and business performance
- Partner directly with ownership to drive continuous improvement
- Influence herd health, reproduction, milk quality, and production outcomes
- Build, coach, and develop a dedicated farm team
- Help shape the future of a respected, multi-generational agricultural business
What You'll Lead
Herd Health, Production & Animal Welfare
- Lead all aspects of herd health, including daily observation, diagnosis, treatment decisions, and preventative care
- Manage reproduction performance through heat detection, breeding strategy, and AI coordination
- Partner with veterinarians, nutritionists, and industry professionals to maximize herd health and productivity
- Ensure exceptional calf care and successful development into the milking herd
- Monitor milk quality and production performance
- Maintain accurate herd records and use data to drive operational decisions
Farm Operations & Business Performance
- Oversee daily operations across barns, milking systems, facilities, and livestock care
- Drive efficiency in labor utilization, feed management, and herd productivity
- Monitor key performance indicators, including:
- Milk production
- Reproduction performance
- Somatic cell count and milk quality
- Culling and replacement rates
- Feed efficiency
- Identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable solutions
- Manage farm inventory and coordinate equipment maintenance
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, Manage, and Hold Team Members Accountable (LMA)
- Build a positive, safety-focused, high-performance culture
- Schedule and oversee staffing for a 365-day operation
- Train and develop team members on herd care, safety practices, and operational standards
- Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and employee development
Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain compliance with all animal welfare, environmental, and workplace safety requirements
- Ensure audit readiness and adherence to farm standards
- Identify risks and proactively address operational challenges
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve performance, efficiency, and team effectiveness
What Success Look Like
The successful candidate will help deliver:
- Strong milk quality and production results
- Excellent herd health and reproductive performance
- Efficient and well-organized farm operations
- A safe and engaged workforce
- Reliable execution of daily responsibilities
- Continuous operational improvement
What You Bring
- 5+ years of herd management, dairy operations, or farm leadership experience
- Direct experience managing herd health, reproduction, milk production, and livestock performance
- Experience leading, coaching, and developing employees
- Strong understanding of dairy nutrition, animal welfare, and production management
- Experience utilizing herd management software such as DairyComp, PCDart, or similar systems
- Ability to operate farm equipment, including tractors, skid steers, and related machinery
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Valid driver's license
Preferred
- Artificial Insemination (AI) Certification
- Dairy Herd Management or Herd Health Training
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science, Dairy Science, Agriculture, or related field
- CPR and First Aid Certification
What Makes Someone Successful Here
You may be a great fit if you:
- Prefer being in the barn rather than behind a desk
- Take ownership of outcomes and follow through on commitments
- Use data to make informed decisions
- Hold people accountable while earning their respect
- Thrive in fast-paced environments where no two days are the same
- Enjoy solving problems and improving systems
- Want to leave an operation better than you found it
What to Expect
- Full-time, year-round position
- Schedule includes weekends, holidays, and emergency response as needed
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Daily interaction with livestock and farm equipment
- Leadership responsibility in a 365-day agricultural operation
Why Wright's
- Fifth-generation family-owned business operating since 1914
- One of Rhode Island's most recognized agricultural brands
- Unique Cow-to-Customer business model
- Opportunity to directly impact product quality and customer experience
- Leadership role with visibility, influence, and growth potential
- Collaborative ownership team committed to operational excellence
- $90,000–$110,000 annual salary
- Relocation assistance available for qualified U.S.-based candidates
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation Time
- Employee Discount on Wright's Products
- Professional Development Opportunities
- And More...
Ready to Apply?
If you're looking for an opportunity to lead a dairy operation, develop a team, and make a lasting impact on a respected agricultural business, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and tell us about your experience leading dairy herd health, farm operations, and people.
To learn more about the fun we have at Wright's check out our social media pages; Wright's on Instagram; Wright's Dairy Farm Facebook; Wright Scoop Facebook; Wright Scoop Instagram
Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We operate a drug-free environment and adhere to ADA regulations as applicable.
