KZN304 - Hatching Egg Contract Grower Manager

Astral Foods Ltd; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company based in Pietermaritzburg is seeking an experienced candidate to oversee and support poultry breeding operations. The ideal individual will have 8 to 10 years of poultry breeding farm experience along with a degree in Agriculture. Responsibilities include managing relationships with contract farmers, ensuring compliance with company standards, and providing high-quality technical support. The role may require working irregular hours, including night shifts and weekends.

Qualifications

• 8 to 10 years of poultry breeding farm experience.
• Ability to manage staff and work independently.
• Strong understanding of labour regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support external hatching egg producers nationally.
• Ensure company standards are consistently met.
• Manage relationships with contract farmers.

Skills

Poultry breeding farm knowledge

Team management

Proactive work approach

High computer literacy

Compliance knowledge

Risk management knowledge

Education

Degree in Agriculture or relevant qualification

Job description

The Ideal Candidate Would Be Responsible For

• Overseeing and supporting the external hatching egg producers nationally
• Ensuring company standards are met at all times through regular presence on contract farmer facilities
• Providing excellent quality technical support to all parent stock contract farmers
• Aligning with the company’s production and bio‑security objectives
• Effectively managing and strengthening relationships with contract farmers
• Ensuring dedicated oversight and focused management with regards to quality, compliance, consistency of supply as well as long term sustainability

The Successful Candidate Must Meet The Following Requirements

• Degree in Agriculture or relevant tertiary qualification would be advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 to 10 years of poultry breeding farm knowledge / experience.
• Passionate, self‑motivated and performance driven.
• A team player with the ability to manage staff.
• Must be pro‑active and be able to work accurately and independently.
• High level of computer literacy.
• Knowledge, understanding and application of labour regulations and legislation.
• Ability to work in a high pressurized environment and be deadline driven.
• High integrity and commitment to organizational values.
• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments.
• Results‑oriented with a focus on driving measurable outcomes.
• Must have basic knowledge of risk management.

Candidate must be prepared to work irregular hours including night shift, overtime and on Public Holidays if and when required.