Farm Manager

About Ferguson Hyams

Ferguson Hyams Investment Management (FHIM) is one of Australia’s fastest-growing agricultural investment and livestock businesses, focused on sustainable sheep production, premium protein and supporting regional communities. We’re proud to invest in Australian agriculture, create local jobs, and help feed growing markets both here and overseas.

About the role

The Farm Manager leads large-scale sheep operations in Central West NSW, overseeing grazing, fodder production, temporary containment systems and broader farm activities. This role manages day-to-day grazing and feeding, supervising staff to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality outcomes across livestock management, pen management, machinery, logistics, record keeping, WHS and biosecurity, as well as maintenance of water infrastructure, fencing/yards and general property upkeep.

This is an on-site role based at Forbes NSW. Local candidates, or those willing to relocate, are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

1. Feeding and Livestock Management

• Oversee daily livestock monitoring, feeding, welfare, water and pen management, including health, performance, feed intake and behaviour.
• Coordinate onboarding/outboarding of stock (scanning, treatments, weighing, movements) and ensure the husbandry program (health treatments, shearing, foot bathing) is executed to a high standard.
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare, biosecurity and livestock performance.
• Lead and demonstrate low-stress stock handling using working dogs.

2. Feeding, Machinery and Infrastructure

• Operate and manage heavy and light machinery (tractors, loaders, feed mixers, water trucks and other farm equipment), ensuring it’s operated safely and maintained to a high standard, including pre-start checks and servicing.
• Oversee maintenance and upgrades to fencing, water infrastructure, yards, pens and laneways.
• Maintain a high standard of farm cleanliness, presentation and operational readiness.

3. Record Keeping, Reporting and Communication

• Maintain accurate livestock and operational records in AgriWebb, Datamars and similar systems, including deaths, treatments, movements and operational activities.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on livestock performance, operational issues, staff matters, infrastructure needs and business priorities.
• Report livestock, machinery, infrastructure, biosecurity, WHS or compliance issues promptly, and communicate clearly and professionally with staff, contractors, advisors and management.

4. WHS, Biosecurity and Compliance

• Ensure WHS policies and procedures are followed, leading by example in safe machinery operation, livestock handling and PPE use.
• Identify, report and manage hazards, incidents, near misses and injuries.
• Ensure animal welfare, biosecurity and chemical handling requirements are met, and coordinate or participate in toolbox meetings, safety discussions and inspections.

5. Staff Management and Leadership

• Lead, supervise and support farm staff and contractors, allocating daily tasks and ensuring work is completed safely and to standard.
• Provide clear instructions, feedback and practical support, and assist with training and mentoring.
• Promote a positive, respectful, accountable team culture, and manage staff communication, rosters and daily priorities in consultation with senior management.

6. Logistics and Operational Coordination

• Coordinate day-to-day logistics, including livestock movements, feed deliveries, contractor attendance, machinery availability and operational scheduling.
• Plan livestock onboarding, outboarding, trucking, weighing and movement requirements with senior management, transport providers and staff.
• Ensure feed, animal health products, fuel, machinery parts and other key inputs are ordered and managed efficiently, liaising with contractors, suppliers and advisors as needed.
• Coordinate seasonal and weekly work programs, keeping senior management informed of upcoming logistics needs, supply requirements, operational risks and scheduling constraints.

About You

A capable, practical and experienced agricultural manager with a strong background in livestock and large-scale sheep operations. You are confident managing livestock, people, machinery, infrastructure and daily farm priorities in a hands-on environment.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong livestock handling and animal husbandry experience, preferably in sheep grazing and fodder-production operations, with proven ability managing day-to-day large-scale sheep operations.
• Solid understanding of animal health, welfare, feeding, pen management and livestock performance, along with biosecurity requirements.
• Competent operating and overseeing heavy and light machinery, with general mechanical knowledge and responsibility for machinery care and maintenance.
• Ability to manage fencing, water, yard and general farm infrastructure requirements.
• Strong observation and problem-solving skills, able to identify livestock, feed, water, infrastructure or machinery issues and apply sound practical judgement.
• Strong planning and coordination skills across livestock, feed, machinery, contractor and transport logistics, with the ability to manage competing priorities and adjust plans as conditions change.
• Sound understanding of workplace health and safety, including the ability to identify and manage hazards and operational risks.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise and support farm staff, allocate tasks and hold team members accountable in a practical, respectful manner.
• Clear verbal and written communicator, professional and cooperative with staff, contractors, advisors, suppliers, transport providers, agents and senior management.
• Willingness to follow and enforce company policies, procedures and reporting requirements, and to escalate issues promptly when required.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Valid driver’s licence
• Q-fever vaccination or willingness to get one
• Minimum of five years as a manager of a large-scale sheep operation
• Experience supervising staff, contractors or daily farm operations
• Experience with AgriWebb or similar livestock management systems

Nice to have

• HR or MR licence
• Mechanical aptitude
• Previous experience in a senior operations role
• Experience coordinating staff and contractors
• Experience operating and managing large machinery
• Access to, or experience with, a capable team of working dogs

Other Requirements

• The role will require weekend work and after-hours work as needed on a rostered basis
• The successful applicant must be physically capable of working in outdoor conditions and safely performing manual farm duties.
• Travel to other properties or worksites may be required from time to time.
• The position may be subject to a probation period and reference checks.

What we offer

• Structured career progression and grading framework
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Clear expectations and measurable performance goals
• A supportive environment focused on developing and retaining great people

For the Farm Manager, we also offer the opportunity to earn a performance-based bonus linked to agreed KPIs, recognising and rewarding strong performance and the achievement of key farm and business objectives.