Farm Manager – Commercial Broiler Poultry

N & C Hay Ltd; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Job summary

N & C Hay Ltd in Christchurch is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of a commercial broiler farm. This solo-charge role involves live-on-site duties, bird health management, and environmental control to optimize a 42-day cycle.

You will work directly with the owners, with no staff management responsibilities, handling administration, logs, and performance metrics while ensuring animal welfare and strict biosecurity.

Qualifications

• Proven, hands-on experience in poultry management.
• Sound knowledge of automated shed ventilation, feeding systems, and environmental controls.
• Commitment to animal health, welfare standards, and strict biosecurity protocols.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and comfortable working solo.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work flexible hours and respond to alarms during cycles.
• Valid full New Zealand Driver's Licence.
• Legal right to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the 42-day broiler growth cycle, monitoring bird health, weight progression, feed/water consumption, and animal welfare.
• Monitor and adjust shed environmental control systems to ensure optimum growing conditions.
• Enforce strict biosecurity protocols and maintain high standards of sanitation, shed cleanout, and preparation between batches.
• Ensure compliance with New Zealand animal welfare codes, food safety standards, and environmental regulations; maintain accurate flock logs, mortality records, and performance metrics.
• Carry out routine maintenance and troubleshooting of farm equipment, feeding systems, and backup generators.

Skills

Poultry management

Animal welfare

Biosecurity

Environmental controls

Independent work

Driver's licence NZ

Communication

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

An experienced, proactive, and hands-on Farm Manager (also known as a Poultry Production Manager or Broiler Farm Manager) to oversee day-to-day farm operations. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring optimal bird health and welfare, maintaining strict environmental control, and managing cycles from arrival through to depopulation. This is a solo-charge, live-on-site role. You will work closely and directly with the owners, with no staff management responsibilities — just you, the birds, and the farm.

Key responsibilities

Oversee the 42-day broiler growth cycle, monitoring bird health, weight progression, feed/water consumption, and animal welfare

Monitor and adjust shed environmental control systems (ventilation, heating, lighting, and humidity) to ensure optimum growing conditions

Enforce strict biosecurity protocols and maintain high standards of sanitation, shed cleanout, and preparation between batches

Ensure compliance with New Zealand animal welfare codes, food safety standards, and environmental regulations. Maintain accurate flock logs, mortality records, and performance metrics

Carry out routine maintenance and troubleshooting of farm equipment, feeding systems, and backup generators

About you

Proven, hands-on experience in poultry management (preferably commercial broiler production) — livestock management backgrounds also considered

Sound knowledge of automated shed ventilation, feeding systems, and environmental controls

A genuine commitment to animal health, welfare standards, and strict biosecurity protocols

Self-motivated, reliable, and comfortable working solo — happy with hands-on physical work as well as administrative tasks

Strong written and verbal communication

Ability to work flexible hours across intensive cycles and be available for alarm responses/emergencies throughout the cycle

A valid, full New Zealand Driver's Licence

Legal right to work in New Zealand

About us

We are a family-owned poultry farming business operating a commercial broiler farm in Christchurch. Specialising in growing broiler chickens from day-old chicks through to market weight over a 42-day cycle, we take pride in producing high-quality birds for New Zealand's food industry. We are committed to maintaining the highest industry standards in animal welfare, biosecurity, and overall poultry production.

Competitive remuneration reflecting your experience and industry skills

On-site accommodation included — an unfurnished farm house is included as part of your salary package, suitable for the manager and family if applicable

A supportive, stable work environment within a family-owned business, working directly with the owners

Long-term career stability in a vital, resilient sector of New Zealand's food industry