Hatchery Manager

Our client is a leading poultry producer, supplying high-quality products to retailers, foodservice, and export markets. With a strong focus on animal welfare, biosecurity, and operational excellence, they are seeking a knowledgeable and hands-on Hatchery Manager to lead one of their key sites and ensure the highest standards of chick quality and hatchery performance.

The Role:
As Hatchery Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of the hatchery, including egg receipt, incubation, hatching, chick quality, and dispatch. You will lead and develop a dedicated hatchery team, ensure compliance with welfare and biosecurity standards, and drive continuous improvements in hatchery efficiency and chick viability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all hatchery operations including egg handling, incubation, hatching, and chick delivery.

• Manage, train, and develop hatchery staff to achieve performance and quality targets.

• Ensure compliance with animal welfare, biosecurity, food safety, USDA, and health & safety regulations.

• Monitor hatchability, chick quality, and mortality rates, identifying and implementing improvements.

• Manage hatchery scheduling to align with production and customer requirements.

• Maintain accurate records, KPIs, and compliance documentation.

• Coordinate with live production, breeder, and processing teams to ensure smooth operations across the supply chain.

• Manage hatchery budgets, resources, and maintenance of specialist equipment.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience in hatchery management, poultry live production, or related roles.

• Strong technical knowledge of incubation, hatchery processes, and chick health.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills.

• A proactive, results-driven mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.

• Commitment to animal welfare, biosecurity, and food safety standards.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.

• Relevant qualifications in poultry science, animal science, or related fields (desirable).