Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Poultry Production

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Farm Operations Manager for its poultry production facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role requires hands-on leadership to direct daily operations, ensure animal welfare, and drive production efficiency in a demanding agricultural setting.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in large-scale poultry farming, strong knowledge of flock health, nutrition, and biosecurity, and a proven ability to lead a team.

Qualifications

• A degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Business Management, or related field preferred; extensive practical experience will be considered.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in managing large-scale poultry operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in poultry health, nutrition, and biosecurity protocols.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural regulations and best practices.
• Proficiency in farm management software and basic computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage daily poultry farm operations (feeding, watering, climate control, waste).
• Oversee flock health programs, biosecurity measures, and vet collaborations.
• Manage feed inventory and implement cost-effective feeding strategies.
• Supervise and train farm staff; ensure safety and procedures.
• Monitor production metrics and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and animal welfare standards.
• Oversee farm equipment maintenance and operations.
• Contribute to budgeting and resource planning.
• Maintain records of flock performance, mortality, and treatments.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Biosecurity protocols

Operational planning

Data analysis

Farm software

Education

Animal Science degree

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

Our client, a premier agribusiness enterprise, is looking for a seasoned Farm Operations Manager to oversee their expansive poultry production facility located in Tembisa, Gauteng . This critical role involves managing all day-to-day operations, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, and production efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in large-scale poultry farming, including flock management, feed optimization, and disease prevention. You will be responsible for leading a dedicated team, implementing operational strategies, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to meet production targets. This is an on-site position requiring a hands‑on approach and a deep commitment to operational excellence in a demanding agricultural setting. The successful applicant will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing our client's reputation as a leader in sustainable and ethical poultry farming.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of daily poultry farm operations, including feeding, watering, climate control, and waste management.
• Oversee flock health programs, implementing stringent biosecurity measures and collaborating with veterinarians to prevent and treat diseases.
• Manage feed inventory and implement cost‑effective feeding strategies to optimize growth rates and feed conversion ratios.
• Supervise, train, and motivate farm staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures.
• Monitor production performance metrics, analyze data, and implement corrective actions to achieve targets.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, animal welfare standards, and environmental guidelines.
• Manage farm equipment maintenance and ensure optimal functioning of all operational systems.
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for the farm operations.
• Maintain detailed records of flock performance, mortality, feed consumption, and veterinary treatments.

Requirements

• A degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Business Management, or a related field is preferred; extensive practical experience will also be considered.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in managing large‑scale poultry operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in poultry health, nutrition, and biosecurity protocols.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent operational planning, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural regulations and best practices.
• Proficiency in farm management software and basic computer applications.
• A strong commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding, outdoor environment.

Benefits

Our client is offering a competitive salary package with performance‑based bonuses. The role provides a unique opportunity to manage a significant operation and contribute to the vital agricultural sector of South Africa .

• comprehensive medical insurance
• a retirement savings plan
• paid annual leave
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a growing agricultural group are available.