Assistant Hatchery Manager, Assistant Hatchery Manager

Pilgrim's Europe; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim’s Europe is seeking an Assistant Hatchery Manager at Carn Hatchery, Portadown. This role offers hands-on management experience in poultry hatchery operations and the chance to contribute to critical egg handling, incubation, and chick dispatch.

You will train and lead hatchery staff, coordinate transport logistics, monitor hygiene and biosecurity, and maintain hatchery equipment while keeping production records. A flexible, rota-based schedule with night and weekend on-call is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in hatchery operations or poultry breeding preferred.
• Ability to train and lead staff.
• Biosecurity protocols knowledge.
• Record keeping and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage hatchery operations, including egg handling, incubation, and chick dispatch.
• Train and lead hatchery staff to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
• Oversee transport logistics for eggs and chicks, as well as vehicle maintenance schedules.
• Monitor hygiene standards and enforce biosecurity protocols.
• Maintain and service hatchery equipment, including incubators and hatchers.
• Keep accurate records of production and performance.
• Provide on-call cover during nights and weekends as part of a rota.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

People management

Problem-solving

Mechanical aptitude

Computer literacy

Driving license

Education

Third-level qualification

Job description

Assistant Hatchery Manager

Location: Carn Hatchery, Portadown

Department: Hatchery

Reports to: Hatchery Manager

Shift: 2 week rotating shift pattern

Week 1: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun - 60 hours

Week 2: Wed and Thurs - 24 hours

Hours of work - 06.00AM to 6.00PM

Are you ready to drive your career forward in hatchery management?

We are looking for a skilled and experienced individual to join our team as an Assistant Hatchery Manager at Carn Hatchery, Portadown. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a key area of poultry agriculture and gain hands-on management experience.

Key Responsibilities: In this role, you will:

• Manage critical hatchery operations, including egg handling, incubation, and chick dispatch.
• Train and lead hatchery staff to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
• Oversee transport logistics for eggs and chicks, as well as vehicle maintenance schedules.
• Monitor hygiene standards and enforce biosecurity protocols.
• Maintain and service hatchery equipment, including incubators and hatchers.
• Keep accurate records of production and performance.
• Provide on-call cover during nights and weekends as part of a rota

Essential Requirements: To succeed in this role, you must have:

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• People management expertise and problem-solving abilities.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and computer literacy.
• A valid driving license for transport coordination.

Desirable Skills: Additional qualities we value include:

• Previous poultry management or livestock handling experience.
• A third-level qualification in a relevant field.
• Previous hatchery experience

Why Work for Pilgrim’s Europe?

At Pilgrim’s Europe, we recognise that our people drive our success. Joining us means becoming part of a respected and forward-thinking agri-food business committed to excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

You’ll Enjoy

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement plus the option to buy additional days

Autonomy in how you deliver results

Comprehensive wellbeing support and employee assistance programmes

Professional development opportunities with access to leadership training and mentoring

Employee discounts and access to a range of benefits through our rewards platform

A values-driven culture built on trust, teamwork, and respect

Our values shape everything we do at Pilgrim’s Europe:

Availability - We’re open and ready for new challenges.

Humility - We listen, respect, and value every voice.

Discipline - We deliver on our commitments.

Sincerity - We are honest and authentic in every interaction.

Simplicity, Ownership, and Determination - We focus on what matters most to achieve success together.