Dairy Jobs in New Zealand

New Zealand dairy farming is mainly pasture-based, with herds grazing outdoors for much of the year. Most milk is processed into products for export, such as milk powders, butter and cheese. This page lists current dairy vacancies in New Zealand, the main employers, the roles they hire for, and what to expect when you apply.

Current dairy vacancies in New Zealand

No vacancies open in New Zealand right now? New roles are added regularly. Create a free job alert and we will email you when a matching dairy job is posted, or upload your CV so employers and our recruitment team can find you. You can also browse all live dairy jobs or dairy jobs in other countries.

Dairy employers in New Zealand

• Fonterra: a New Zealand farmer-owned dairy co-operative with operations in New Zealand and overseas.
• Synlait: a dairy company with sites at Dunsandel and Rolleston in Canterbury.
• Open Country Dairy: makes milk powders, milk proteins, cheese and other dairy products from New Zealand milk.
• Westland Milk Products: a South Island dairy company with sites in Hokitika, Rolleston and Christchurch.
• Tatua: a Waikato dairy co-operative with its main manufacturing site at Tatuanui.

Company names are listed for information only. Dairy Jobs is not affiliated with these companies, and listing them does not mean they advertise with us. Links go to each company’s own careers page or website. Always apply through official channels.

Typical dairy jobs in New Zealand

New Zealand dairy is known for pasture-based farming and for exporting most of what it produces, with milk powders a major product.

Dairy farming: herd managers, assistant herd managers, dairy farm assistants and relief milkers, calf rearers and farm managers, including roles on robotic and rotary milking systems.

Dairy processing and manufacturing: production operatives and supervisors, process and dairy technologists, quality and food safety staff, laboratory technicians, maintenance and automation engineers, and production and site managers.

Commercial and supply chain: sales and distribution managers, key account and brand managers, procurement, planning and logistics specialists.

Read our job descriptions for a dairy factory manager, a dairy farm manager and a dairy sales manager to see the skills and qualifications employers look for.

Working in New Zealand: work permits

• The Accredited Employer Work Visa needs a full-time job offer from an accredited employer, with an approved job check for the role. Official information.
• Immigration New Zealand warns about job offer scams and may decline applications where money was paid to an employer for a job offer. Official information.
• Beware of fake job offers: genuine employers do not ask candidates to pay for a job, a visa or an interview. If an offer asks for money, do not pay. Check it with the company directly.

This section is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so always check the current requirements with your employer and official government sources in New Zealand.

How to apply through Dairy Jobs

1. Create a free Dairy Jobs account and upload your CV.
2. Set up a job alert for New Zealand, or for the role you want.
3. Apply for vacancies directly on dairyjobsearch.com. Your application goes straight to the employer or to our recruitment team.
4. Make sure your CV shows your dairy experience clearly: herd size or plant capacity, products, the systems you have worked with, and your qualifications.

Recruiting dairy staff in New Zealand?

Dairy Jobs puts your vacancy in front of a combined network of over 250,000 dairy professionals worldwide. Founding Employers can advertise at half price until 31 January 2027. For senior or hard-to-fill roles, our team can run the search for you on a no win, no fee basis.

Frequently asked questions