Manager, Dairy Barn

About The Company

Greenbelt Farms is a multi-generational family-owned business that started in 1952 by Charlie and Adrienne Rajotte. The farm has grown significantly over the years and now includes 8,000 acres of crop, cattle operations, a dairy facility, a broiler chicken operation, and a state-of-the-art feed mill. Known for its diversified operations, Greenbelt Farms includes dairy, beef, poultry, and grain production. The dairy facility, originally built in 1997, has been renovated with state-of-the-art equipment and currently milks 480 cows. Exciting expansion plans are also underway to break ground in 2027, building an additional dairy barn facility that will add approximately 100 more cows.

Greenbelt Dairy is committed to excellence in dairy farming, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and animal welfare. The organization is incredibly proud of their state-of-the-art facilities, their team of dedicated skilled professionals who collaborate and work together to achieve goals and their open mindedness to new ideas and innovation. Commitment to thoughtful leadership, continuous learning and a balance between farm and family also contribute to creating an overall great working experience for team members.

Mission

Greenbelt Farms produces quality grain, oilseeds, beef, chicken, milk, and animal feed to Alberta based producers and Western Canadian end users. As a diversified and economically competitive business, we embrace change and new technologies to improve efficiencies and maximize productivity while practicing environmental stewardship.

Vision

Greenbelt Farms is a multi-generational business that gives purpose and opportunities to family members, shareholders and employees to fulfill personal aspirations, do meaningful work and be prosperous in every area of life. Greenbelt Farms is a respected, responsible leader and asset to the community.

About The Role

Reporting to the Enterprise Managing Partner (EPM), The Dairy Manager is responsible for achieving both production and financial goals of Greenbelt Dairy. The manager oversees all aspects of the dairy operations including staff, production, animal care, equipment, facilities, budgeting, and related administration. As a management role, the Dairy Manager holds overall responsibility for dairy production and animal care, wellness, and health management. This role is also accountable for the execution of several specialized hands-on tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Model and promote Greenbelt Farms’ vision and mission.
• Contribute to and implement Greenbelt Farms’ multi-year Strategic Plan, as applicable within Dairy Barn operations.
• Develop annual plans for effective dairy operations, staffing, regulatory and compliance controls, for review and approval by EMP.
• Develop and achieve all Dairy goals and objectives, ensuring profitability and growth.
• Reporting monthly progress, tracking and goal achievement to EMP.
• Prepare and oversee the budget, forecast, and related financial reporting for the dairy operation and present quarterly reports to the EMP.
• Support Greenbelt Farms’ planning by establishing and tracking key performance indicators and metrics. Collecting and reporting relevant data such as milk production, reproduction numbers, lineage trends and forecasts.
• Maintain effective and ongoing communication with EMP and other farm leaders on strategic and operational progress and issues for resolution.
• Supervise all Dairy special projects and prepare reports to be submitted to ownership team.
• Communicate farm breeding goals with Artificial Insemination provider.
• Attend and represent the organization at various Alberta Milk, Alberta Holstein Association, and Western Canadian Dairy Seminar meetings.
• Research and maintain knowledge of industry and technology changes and trends, implementing best practices as appropriate.

Operations Management

• Oversee the day-to-day dairy operations through effective communication and management with direct reports.
• Plan, prioritize, communicate, and monitor operational tasks and priorities.
• Create a Dairy Plan to track and report on production, quality control, and performance.
• Oversee the milk harvesting process to ensure it maintains high standards of milk quality and production.
• Conduct daily on-site morning routine meetings to distribute tasks, ensure role clarity and productivity of Dairy Barn staff time and capacity.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve dairy efficiency and productivity.
• Research and implement effective and efficient automation and technology improvements.
• Create and monitor ongoing Maintenance Lists, directing staff on formal reporting of maintenance items and areas requiring attention.
• Maintain regular communication with veterinarians and ensure designated staff also stay in close contact to support effective animal health monitoring and care.
• Ensure maintenance of facilities and equipment, approving related capital costs.
• Monitor dairy and calf barn ventilation computers and respond accordingly.
• Manage all animal sales.
• Review Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) records.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Enforce safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are created, implemented, and staff are adequately trained in compliance with consistent and standard Dairy Barn operations.
• Ensure all equipment and machinery are operated safely and maintained in good working condition.
• Monitor and address potential hazards promptly to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Maintain compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and standards.
• Maintain ongoing connection and consultation with external nutritionist contracted support.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its proper use by all employees.
• Oversee the care and health of all cattle including treatment of sick animals, assisting with difficult births, and making culling decisions.
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of herd health, feed usage, mortality rates, and production data.
• Report all OH&S, animal health, and SOP issues, incidents and matters for owner decision making to EMP.

People Management

• Provide on-site oversight and direction to employees in accordance with Greenbelt Farms’ policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide on-site management and oversight to direct reports including recruitment, on-boarding, performance management, employee development, training, and general support.
• Accountable for performance management standards and evaluation of Dairy Barn staff, managing performance issues in accordance with Greenbelt Farms’ policies and guidelines.
• Lead and approve decisions related to recruitment, hiring and changes in work status of employees, as aligned with approved Annual Plan and operating budget.
• Lead the daily or weekly Dairy Barn Staff Meeting, following up on issues/concerns as required.
• Approve time records, additional hours, and requests for time off for direct reports.

Perform other duties assigned by the Enterprise Managing Partner.

Skills and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in animal science, Agriculture, Dairy Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of dairy operations experience.
• Minimum of two years dairy management and modern farm operations management practice preferred.
• Previous management experience, proven people leadership and effective communication skills required.
• Excellent leadership initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining farm machinery is an asset.
• Knowledge of cattle handling and care, husbandry, dairy nutrition, and milk processing procedures.
• Financial acumen to manage budgets and financial planning.
• Familiarity with dairy technology and herd management software.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 100 lbs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Superior organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Willingness to work a variety of shifts including early mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

This is a meaningful opportunity for someone who wants to lead a modern dairy operation and contribute to a growing, family-owned business with strong values and long-term vision. The Dairy Barn Manager role is well suited to a leader who enjoys developing people, improving systems, and working closely with livestock in a hands-on environment. If you’re energized by high quality production, continuous improvement, and being part of a team that takes pride in its work, we encourage you to apply and explore whether Greenbelt Farms could be the right next step in your career.

Please submit your application through MNP’s formal process. We ask that candidates avoid direct outreach to Greenbelt Farms or its team members so the hiring process remains fair and consistent for everyone. Our team will ensure your application is reviewed and handled with care.

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