Farm Manager - Breeders & Rearing

Hazeldenes Chicken; Newbridge; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-site accommodation

Company vehicle

Career progression

Supportive team

Job summary

Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm is seeking a Breeder Farm Manager to take full responsibility for the performance of an assigned breeder farm on site in Victoria. You will focus on maximising hatching egg production, fertility and hatchability while upholding animal welfare, biosecurity and safety.

This hands-on role requires a proactive leader who can guide day-to-day farm operations, monitor bird performance and production outcomes, and drive improvements across feeding, housing and environmental

Qualifications

• Proven experience in poultry or breeder farm operations, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Relevant qualification in Agriculture, Animal Science or similar is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage production targets.

Responsibilities

• Drive farm performance to maximise egg production, fertility and hatchability.
• Monitor bird health, behaviour and environmental conditions daily.
• Ensure feed, water, lighting and housing conditions are optimised.
• Oversee egg collection, handling and quality standards.
• Identify production issues early and implement corrective actions; plan daily operations to meet targets.
• Monitor key production metrics and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with biosecurity, animal welfare and quality standards.
• Lead health and safety across the farm and company, modelling strong safety culture.
• Lead and support farm staff with training and direction.
• Maintain a strong on-farm presence and lead by example.
• Undertake other duties to support business operations.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Poultry breeder ops

Team leadership

Data interpretation

Biosecurity awareness

Animal welfare

Communication

Education

Agriculture/Animal Science degree (desirable)

Tools

Flock management software

Job description

• Maximise hatching egg production and farm performance outcomes
• Hands-on leadership role in breeder farm operations
• Work with a well-established Australian poultry business

Our Company

Incorporated in 1938, Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm is a leading FMCG company headquartered in Lockwood (Bendigo), Victoria. At Hazeldenes, we have more than 80 years of history underpinning how we proudly go about our business. It is not just about our delicious chickens, innovation and commitment to quality. It is about our people doing extraordinary things to deliver great products.

At Hazeldenes, we are proud of our people, our reputation and our place in the community. From humble beginnings in Kangaroo Flat in Bendigo, our facilities have expanded across rural Victoria. Our people come from many different cultures and backgrounds and have skills ranging from farming and quality control to engineering and poultry processing.

About The Role

We are seeking a Breeder Farm Manager to take full responsibility for the performance of an assigned breeder farm, with a strong focus on maximising hatching egg production, quality and overall farm operations.

This is a hands on role where you will be actively involved in day-to-day farm operations, bird performance and production outcomes. You will lead from the front, ensuring optimal flock health, egg production, fertility and hatchability while maintaining high standards of animal welfare, biosecurity and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive farm performance to maximise egg production, fertility and hatchability
• Monitor bird health, behaviour and environmental conditions daily
• Ensure feed, water, lighting and housing conditions are optimised
• Oversee egg collection, handling and quality standards
• Identify production issues early and implement corrective actionsPlan and coordinate daily farm operations to meet production targets
• Monitor key production metrics and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with biosecurity, animal welfare and quality standards
• Act as a champion for Health and Safety across the farm and wider company, leading by example and driving a strong safety culture.
• Lead and support farm staff, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently
• Provide hands-on guidance, training and direction to team members
• Maintain a strong on-farm presence and lead by example
• Undertake any other duties as required to support business operations

About You

• You are a practical, hands-on farm leader who understands breeder operations and is focused on delivering strong production outcomes
• Proven experience in poultry or breeder farm operations, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience
• Strong track record in managing bird performance and production outcomes
• Hands-on experience working in farm environments
• Good understanding of breeder management practices including feeding, lighting and environmental control
• Ability to monitor and interpret production data and take action
• Experience leading teams in an operational setting
• Strong problem solving skills in a live farm environment
• High level of accountability and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse teams
• Relevant qualification in Agriculture, Animal Science or similar is desirable

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• On-site accommodation & company vehicle may be considered
• Work within a well-established and growing business
• Supportive and practical team environment
• Long term career opportunities