Hatchery Manager

Pilgrim's; Enterprise (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Schedule

Benefits after 60 days

Paid time off

401(k)

Discretionary bonus

Career development

Better futures

Job summary

Pilgrim’s is seeking a Hatchery Manager to lead hatchery, breeder, and pullet operations, aiming for optimal hatch eggs and chick production while maintaining safety and cost controls. The role requires strategic leadership, budget oversight, and collaboration with Live Operations to drive continuous improvement, employee development, and adherence to bio-security programs.

Experience in poultry operations and a Bachelor’s in Poultry Science preferred; strong communication and decision-making

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science or related field preferred; experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirement.
• Current Class D driver's license and clean driving record.
• 2-5 years of directly related experience preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, written and verbal; quick learner of company protocols and adaptable to change.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with team to improve performance across areas.
• Develop people through instruction and training; emphasize safety.
• Maintain policies for safety, quality, and team satisfaction.
• Develop and manage budgets for hatchery and breeder departments.
• Coordinate with Live Operations to drive improvements across responsibilities.
• Oversee hatch egg and pullet programs and contract pullet producers.
• Monitor pullet health and biosecurity compliance.
• Supervise breeder operations for optimal performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science or related field

Job description

HATCHERY MANAGER

At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.

The Hatchery Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for hatchery, breeder, and pullet operations to ensure the consistent production of high-quality chicks that meet company production goals. This position is responsible for maximizing hatchability, flock performance, animal welfare, biosecurity compliance, and overall operational efficiency while maintaining strict quality, safety, and cost-control standards.

The Hatchery Manager develops and leads teams, manages budgets and performance metrics, and collaborates with Live Operations and other functional leaders to drive continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility. Through effective leadership, workforce development, contract producer partnerships, and proactive problem-solving, this role ensures the delivery of optimal hatching egg and chick production while supporting company objectives, team member engagement, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Work as a member of a team with other managers to: Communicate regularly, cooperate fully and strive to continually improve overall performance in all associated areas.
• Develop the people byproviding:examples-personal instruction, using available company training (videos, seminars,etc). Providesafeworking environment for all employees. Continuous emphasis on safety at team meetings.
• Maintain company policies and processes toassurestandards are upheld for safety, quality, and team member satisfaction.
• Responsible for developing and implementing goals and budgets for both the hatchery and breeder departments.
• Maintain regular communication with Live Operations Manager to resolve questions,problemsand aid in the development ofnew ideasand processes.
• Directs the day-to-day toensure the quality of hatch eggs are available for hatcheries.
• Implements andmonitorsallpullet programs. Ensures the training and development of the pullet placements, moves, vaccinations, and sales to ensure proper hatch egg numbers.
• Provides communication and direction for all contract pullet producers.
• Monitors the development of all contract pullet producers as well as the development of the pullet placements, moves, vaccinations, and sales to ensure proper hatch egg numbers.
• Monitors pullet health and adherence toBio-securityand Animal Welfare Programs.
• Responsible to supervise breeder operations tofacilitateoptimalperformance and rapid response to problem areas for resolution.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

• Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Poultry Science or similar field preferred. Experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirement;
• Certifications: Current Class D driver's license and good driving record;
• Experience: 2-5 years of directly related experience preferred;
• Skills: Strong communication and leadership skills, both written and verbal. Quick learner of Company protocols/programs and adaptable to change. Solid math and analytical abilities for problem-solving and decision-making. Reliable and ethical, with a strong work ethic and punctuality. Team-oriented and self-motivated, able to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

• Schedule: Monday – Friday with occasional weekends;
• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
• Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation, company observed holidays or, any other statutorily required paid leave;
• 401(k): Company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
• Base salary range of $90,005-$109,356 based on experience;
• Discretionary Bonus: This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan, the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program;
• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs; and
• Better Futures

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About us:

Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our mission:

To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.

Our core values are:

Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets