Sr. Farm Management Support Advisor-Large Scale Farming-Western USA

JOB TITLE: Sr. Farm Management Support Advisor - Large-Scale Farming (WESTERN USA)

Competency: Service Support-FMSNA

Manager: Team Lead FMS & Milk Quality Support

HR Responsibility: None

FLSA Status: Exempt

Organizational context: Responsible for the development and execution of Farm Management Support services, tools, training programs, compliance activities, and standardized ways of working focused on large-scale dairy operations with 700 or more cows. This role partners with Lely Centers, business teams, and industry stakeholders to improve farm performance, strengthen customer outcomes, and enhance the effectiveness of Lely Center consulting services. Responsibilities and priorities align with the Business Team Milking Strategy and support the broader objectives of the Farm Management Support team. The Competence Manager of the Business Milking Team provides direction on the “what and when,” while the Team Lead FMS & Milk Quality Support provides direction on the “who and how.”

Summary:

The Sr. Farm Management Support (FMS) Advisor works within the Business Team, receiving strategic direction on the “what and when” from the Competence Manager. This position develops, trains, coaches, and advises Lely Centers and their stakeholders by providing consultative services related to farm, herd, people, and equipment management. The role supports Lely Centers in delivering professional farm management products and services that improve end-user satisfaction and financial well-being. Ideally located in the Western United States, this position requires approximately 60% domestic and/or international travel by car or plane. Some dealer visits and events may require non-traditional working hours. Applicants located outside the Western United States should expect travel requirements exceeding 75%.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Serve as a trusted advisor to Lely Centers and dairy producers by providing consultative support focused on farm performance, herd management, labor efficiency, and profitability.

· Train, coach, and support Lely Centers in the implementation of Farm Management Support programs, services, and best practices, helping facilitate the transition of farmers from traditional to robotic milking and feeding processes.

· Evaluate robotic dairy operations through analysis of herd data, farm performance metrics, facility conditions, milking systems, feeding strategies, and management practices.

· Develop actionable recommendations and improvement plans aligned with customer goals and desired business outcomes.

· Support successful adoption and optimization of the complete Lely portfolio, including Milking, Feeding, Manure, and Digital Solutions.

· Collaborate with Lely Centers, business teams, and Regional Development Managers to identify opportunities for performance improvement and business growth.

· Develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, presentations, and training events for producers, Lely Centers, and industry stakeholders.

· Build relationships with industry advisors, academia/universities, researchers, and key influencers to strengthen industry awareness and adoption of robotic dairy management practices.

· Provide regular progress reports and insights regarding Lely Center development activities, farm performance trends, customer opportunities, and recommended actions.

· Contribute to the development of farm management content, tools, resources, and sales support materials focused on large-scale dairy operations.

· Model Lely’s values, culture commitments, and customer-focused approach in all interactions with customers, partners, and colleagues.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

· Bachelor's degree in dairy science, agribusiness, veterinary medicine, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

· Minimum of five years of experience providing consulting, advisory, training, or coaching services within the dairy industry.

· Demonstrated experience working with large-scale dairy operations and robotic milking systems.

· Experience interpreting herd performance data and translating insights into practical operational recommendations.

· Spanish-language proficiency is preferred.

· Experience presenting, facilitating training, and advising stakeholders at all levels of dairy operations, from frontline team members to ownership groups.

Computer Skills:

· Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook

· Presentation and virtual facilitation software

· Farm and herd management software platforms

· Dairy analytics and performance reporting tools

· Communication and collaboration platforms

Key Skills and Abilities:

· Ability to serve as a trusted advisor and influence, coach, and drive the adoption of best practices through expertise, credibility, and relationship-building rather than formal authority.

· Strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to effectively deliver information to diverse audiences in person and virtually.

· Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify opportunities, and develop practical recommendations that improve dairy farm performance.

· Strong customer focus and commitment to delivering exceptional service and value.

· Ability to build trust and productive relationships with dairy producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, consultants, Lely Centers, universities, and industry partners.

· Knowledge of dairy operations, robotic milking systems, herd management, nutrition, reproduction, labor management, and farm economics.

· Ability to navigate complex business and operational challenges while aligning stakeholders around practical solutions.

· Strong planning, prioritization, project management, and organizational skills.

· Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

· Commitment to continuous learning, knowledge-sharing, and supporting the OneLely culture.

· Commitment to modeling Lely’s values, culture commitments, and customer-focused approach in all interactions with customers, partners, and colleagues.

Who we are: Vision, Mission, and Core Values

Our Vision: A sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable future in farming

Our Mission: We create innovative solutions that help our customers excel in sustainable milk production to feed the world.

Our Core Values: Lely has five core values that guide how we interact with others. On the work floor among colleagues, in interactions with our customers, at meetings with our business partners, and when dealing with the press, we demonstrate our values through our actions, regardless of place or time.

Innovation: We change traditions by continuously seeking new ideas for positive change

Passion: We love what we do and are passionate about supporting our customers

Progress: We grow because our people are motivated to improve and move forward

Respect: Our focus is the well-being of people, animals, and the environment

Honesty: Being truthful and fair is essential in our way of working

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Lely provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.