The Role
The Herd Manager analyzes and optimizes herd management practices, ensuring efficiency in milking and system performance, while providing training and customer support.
Summary Generated by Built In
Herd Manager is responsible for analyzing, optimizing, and overseeing the client’s herd management practices with the objective of achieving top herd performance, ensuring optimal efficiency of milking and herd management systems, and ultimately increasing customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities / Tasks
The role combines technical expertise, advisory services, system optimization, and training across GEA solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities
Herd Management Analysis & Optimization
- Diagnose issues related to feeding, udder and animal health, reproduction, cow flow, milking routines, and parlor hygiene.
- Develop and present evidence‑based improvement plans.
- Conduct specialized audits (Pre‑Implementation AMS, Animal Welfare, Mastitis, and other GEA‑defined audits).
- Perform on‑farm optimization to improve throughput, efficiency, and animal wellbeing.
System Implementation & Product Expertise
- Support farm layout design and the implementation of automatic milking systems (AMS).
- Deliver implementation and handover training to customers.
- Provide expert support for GEA herd‑management solutions, including DairyPlan, CowScout, FarmView, CowView, CattleEye and future digital tools (e.g., DairyNet).
Training & Education
- Deliver structured training for GEA FT teams and customers on herd‑management systems and digital tools.
- Conduct workshops, online sessions and on‑farm training tailored to user needs.
- Participate in international GEA training and knowledge‑exchange programs.
Advisory & Customer Support
- Provide basic nutrition advisory (PMR, TMR) to support herd health and productivity.
- Offer ongoing guidance on best practices in herd management, milking procedures, and health monitoring.
- Collaborate with Sales during customer visits, product demos, and technical discussions.
Business Development & Representation
- Promote and sell GEA services, audits, and optimization programs.
- Represent GEA at national fairs, regional events, and marketing initiatives.
- Build and maintain long‑term customer relationships with high service quality and consistent follow‑up.
Data‑Driven Decision Support
- Analyze farm data (milk yield, KPIs, sensor data) to support customer decision-making.
- Prepare performance reports with actionable recommendations.
- Monitor and benchmark herd productivity across farms.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Identify opportunities to enhance GEA tools, processes, and customer offerings.
- Act as an internal expert supporting product development with field insights.
- Lead pilot projects involving advanced technologies (precision livestock tools, sensors, automation).
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Sales, Service, Engineering, R&D, and Product Management.
- Share customer feedback to improve product roadmaps, training programs, and field support.
Your Profile / Qualifications
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a cross‑functional environment.
- Customer‑centric mindset with strong relationship‑building abilities.
- Degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Dairy Technology, or related fields (preferred).
- Experience in dairy herd management or on-farm advisory roles more three years.
- Strong understanding of herd management, including nutrition, animal health, milking technology, and welfare standards.
- Ability to diagnose herd related issues accurately and translate findings into clear, actionable solutions.
- Experience with AMS, herd management systems, and dairy farm operations.
- Background in AMS implementation or dairy software systems will an advantage.
- High willingness to travel (office work – 20%; business trips – 80%)
- Driver license category B. accident-free driving.
- Knowledge of English (B1, B2) - Freely expresses their opinion. Freely writes letters and requests using technical vocabulary
- PC/software skills - MS Office; Advanced PC user, MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access).
Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.
Skills Required
- Degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Dairy Technology, or related fields
- Experience in dairy herd management or on-farm advisory roles more than three years
- Strong understanding of herd management, including nutrition, animal health, milking technology, and welfare standards
- Experience with AMS, herd management systems, and dairy farm operations
- High willingness to travel (office work - 20%; business trips - 80%)
- Driver license category B
- Knowledge of English (B1, B2) - Freely expresses their opinion
- PC/software skills - MS Office; Advanced PC user, MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access)
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The Company
What We Do
GEA is one of the largest technology suppliers for food processing and a wide range of other industries. The global group specializes in machinery, plants, as well as process technology and components. GEA provides sustainable solutions for sophisticated production processes in diverse end-user markets and offers a comprehensive service portfolio
