CMS Dairy is hiring!

Operation Manager – CMS Dairy | Central Hawke's Bay (Full-Time)

Central Miking Services (CMS) has been a trusted partner to the Central Hawke’s Bay dairy sector, providing top-quality servicing, breakdown support, and installation to the local dairy industry. Located in the heart of our farming community, we pride ourselves on modern equipment, exceptional customer service, and a fantastic, collaborative team culture alongside CMS Electrical and CM Engineering.

We are looking for an energetic, organised, and hands-on Operation Manager to lead our CMS Dairy team. This is a unique "hybrid" role where you will split your time between leading the operations and getting stuck in on the tools (approx. 65% of the time) alongside our skilled Dairy Technicians.

If you have a strong background in the dairy service sector, a natural ability to lead people, and love variety in your day, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

· Team Leadership & Supervision: Manage and motivate the team of Dairy Technicians, coordinates daily/weekly work schedules, and fairly manage the on-call roster.

· On-the-Tools Operations: Spend roughly 65% of your time out in the field providing high-quality technical servicing and breakdown support.

· Business & Project Management: Complete quotes, plan and execute dairy projects on time/budget, track invoices, and drive growth by securing new business and scheduled maintenance contracts.

· Health & Safety: Actively promote a safe working environment, ensuring 100% compliance, proper PPE usage, and zero workplace injuries.

· Stakeholder Relations: Build strong relationships with local dairy farmers, suppliers, and internal teams (CME & CMS Electrical) to ensure seamless operations and zero customer complaints.

Required Skills & Experience

· Extensive experience in dairy operations, dairy trade servicing, or a closely related mechanical/technical role.

· Proven leadership skills with the ability to mentor technicians, coordinate a team, and communicate clearly.

· Strong organisational knack for handling project budgets, tracking KPIs (revenue, margins, efficiency), and keeping documentation up to date.

· Great customer focus with the confidence to prospect for new business and handle incoming inquiries promptly.

· A great sense of humour—we work hard, but we love to laugh and maintain a positive, professional workplace culture.

· Valid NZ Driver's Licence and NZ Residency or a valid work visa.

What We Offer

· Competitive hourly rate – highly negotiable based on your industry experience.

· Full-time hours with a supportive management structure reporting directly to General Manager Jackson Elmers.

· A tight-knit, collaborative team environment with modern tools and service vehicles.

If you are a hardworking problem-solver who loves a challenge, takes pride in excellent workmanship, and wants to drive a successful division forward, apply today!