Assistant Hatchery Manager

Vickerstock; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Vickerstock, in partnership with a leading poultry and agricultural business, is seeking an experienced Assistant Hatchery Manager for the Craigavon hatchery. You will support the Hatchery Manager with day-to-day operations and staff development.

Responsibilities include egg handling, incubation, chick production, despatch, transport coordination, and maintaining equipment, records and compliance. A valid driving licence and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team in a hatchery or agricultural operation.
• Ability to manage day-to-day hatchery activities and records.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driving licence and reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Support the Hatchery Manager with the overall running of the hatchery operation.
• Manage and develop hatchery operatives, including training and specialist skills.
• Plan duty rotas, holidays and overtime and provide management cover when required.
• Coordinate the movement and transport of eggs between farms and the hatchery.
• Oversee the production, processing and despatch of day-old chicks.
• Coordinate egg packing, transfer and vaccination requirements.
• Ensure hatchers, setters and related equipment are maintained and serviced.
• Oversee waste disposal, hygiene monitoring and general hatchery standards.
• Maintain accurate records and input data into agricultural systems.
• Support purchasing of equipment, packaging, cleaning materials, PPE and other supplies.
• Maintain relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, health & safety and procedures.
• Provide night and weekend on-call cover on a rota basis.
• Promote housekeeping, hygiene, animal welfare and environmental practices.

Skills

People management

Agriculture interest

Driving licence

Communication

Problem solving

Initiative

Computer literacy

Mechanical aptitude

On-call rota

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a leading poultry and agricultural business to recruit an experienced Assistant Hatchery Manager for their hatchery operation in Craigavon.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in poultry, livestock or hatchery operations who is looking to take the next step in their management career.

As Assistant Hatchery Manager, you will support the Hatchery Manager across the day-to-day running of the hatchery, with responsibility for people management, egg handling, incubation, chick production and despatch, transport, equipment and customer liaison.

The Role

• Support the Hatchery Manager with the overall running of the hatchery operation.
• Manage and develop hatchery operatives, including training and specialist skills.
• Plan duty rotas, holidays and overtime and provide management cover when required.
• Coordinate the movement and transport of eggs between farms and the hatchery.
• Oversee the production, processing and despatch of day-old chicks.
• Coordinate egg packing, transfer and vaccination requirements.
• Ensure hatchers, setters and associated equipment are maintained and serviced.
• Oversee waste disposal, hygiene monitoring and general hatchery standards.
• Maintain accurate records and input data into the relevant agricultural systems.
• Support purchasing of equipment, packaging, cleaning materials, PPE and other supplies.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, health & safety and company procedures.
• Provide night and weekend on-call cover on a rota basis.
• Promote good housekeeping, hygiene, animal welfare and environmental practices.

What you'll need to succeed

• Previous people management experience.
• A keen interest in agriculture.
• Valid driving licence.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work on your own initiative.
• Good computer literacy.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rota covering nights and weekends.

Desirable Criteria (it would be great if you have these but don't worry if you don't!)

• Previous hatchery experience.
• Livestock handling experience.
• Previous poultry experience.
• Agriculture-related qualification.
• Third-level qualification.
• Commercial awareness.