Farm Manager - Large Scale Poultry Operations

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Housing provided or subsidized

Training and development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Farm Manager to lead a large poultry operation near Durban. You will oversee health, nutrition, housing, biosecurity, and the welfare of flocks while managing staff and maintaining high production standards.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in farm management with 3+ years in poultry, strong leadership, and a proven ability to optimize production and control costs in a dynamic farm environment near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s in Animal Science, Agriculture, or related field.
• 5+ years farm management experience with 3+ years in large-scale poultry.
• Knowledge of poultry husbandry, nutrition, health and biosecurity.
• Experience leading teams and supervising farm staff.
• Strong focus on efficiency, cost control and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage daily poultry farm operations (breeder/broiler/layer as applicable).
• Ensure flock health, welfare, nutrition, housing and veterinary coordination.
• Enforce strict biosecurity to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Oversee feed management and minimize waste.
• Lead and motivate farm staff and supervisors.
• Maintain farm infrastructure and equipment in good condition.
• Monitor performance, analyze data, and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare, environment and food safety rules.
• Manage inventory, supplies and procurement.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Poultry husbandry

Biosecurity protocols

Production optimization

Cost control

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the South African poultry industry, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Farm Manager to oversee its expansive operations near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical to ensuring the efficient, ethical, and profitable production of high-quality poultry. The Farm Manager will be responsible for all aspects of daily farm operations, including flock health, feed management, biosecurity, staff supervision, and compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in poultry production, excellent leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex operations. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a significant agricultural enterprise and contribute to the food security of the region. You will be managing a dedicated team and working with modern facilities, focusing on optimizing production cycles and maintaining the highest welfare standards. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail in all operational aspects.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily operations of the poultry farm, including breeder, broiler, or layer management as applicable.
• Ensure the health, welfare, and productivity of the flocks through proper feeding, housing, and veterinary care coordination.
• Implement and enforce strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Oversee feed management, ensuring optimal nutrition and minimizing waste.
• Manage and motivate a team of farm workers, including supervisors and general staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Maintain farm infrastructure, equipment, and facilities in excellent working order.
• Monitor production performance against targets, analyze data, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies regarding animal welfare, environmental protection, and food safety.
• Manage farm inventory, supplies, and equipment procurement.
• Report regularly to senior management on operational performance, challenges, and opportunities.

Requirements

• A Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in farm management, with at least 3 years specifically in large-scale poultry operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of poultry husbandry, nutrition, health management, and biosecurity.
• Proven experience in managing teams and supervising farm staff.
• Strong understanding of operational efficiency, cost control, and production optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using farm management software or relevant digital tools.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, as farm operations demand.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, life insurance, and a provident fund. Performance-based bonuses are awarded based on farm productivity and efficiency. Housing may be provided or subsidized depending on circumstances. The company invests in its employees through ongoing training and professional development programs, focusing on leadership and technical skills. This role provides the opportunity to work within a leading agricultural enterprise, contributing to a vital sector of the South African economy, and advancing your career in a challenging yet rewarding environment near Durban.