Laying Farm Manager

Astral Foods Ltd; Standerton; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite housing

Structured career development within G

Exposure to leading poultry systems

Job summary

Astral Foods Ltd invites applications for a Laying Farm Manager (Breeders) to oversee a designated breeder farm. The role focuses on delivering top-tier flock performance, maintaining biosecurity and welfare standards, and leading a team to achieve production targets.

Requires a B.Sc. Agriculture or Diploma in Agriculture, with at least 5 years in poultry production and experience in breeder operations. Willingness to work weekends; onsite housing is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or diploma in agriculture with emphasis on poultry production is preferred.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills are essential.
• Ability to monitor, analyse and interpret production data and implement actions.
• Budgeting and cost-control awareness is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of the breeder farm.
• Monitor flock performance and production KPIs; implement corrective actions.
• Ensure biosecurity, animal welfare, health and housekeeping standards.
• Manage farm labour, training and development; conduct performance reviews.
• Maintain farm records and report production data to Production Manager.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Data analysis

Budgeting

Education

B.Sc. Agriculture or Diploma in Agriculture

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

Laying Farm Manager (Breeders)

Role Overview

Goldi, one of South Africa's leading integrated poultry producers within the Astral Group, is seeking an experienced, passionate and results-driven Laying Farm Manager (Breeders) responsible for overseeing the management and performance of a designated breeder farm. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the farm, ensuring optimal flock performance, high production standards, excellent biosecurity, effective people management and operational efficiency. The Laying Farm Manager will drive the farm towards achieving and exceeding production targets while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, health, safety and housekeeping. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who is passionate about poultry production, people development and achieving sustainable operational excellence.

Role Responsibilities

The role will report to the Production Manager.

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of the designated breeder farm.
• Managing breeders and personnel on a large poultry production farm.
• Monitor flock performance and key production indicators, identify deviations and implement timely corrective actions.
• Drive the achievement of breeder production targets, including hatching egg production, fertility, hatchability, mortality, uniformity, egg quality and flock performance.
• Ensure strict adherence to farm biosecurity protocols and continuously identify opportunities to strengthen biosecurity standards.
• Ensure that bird health, welfare and environmental requirements are maintained at the highest possible standards.
• Manage and control farm operating costs and ensure resources are utilised effectively.
• Maintain and safeguard company assets, buildings, equipment and infrastructure, ensuring that maintenance requirements are identified and addressed promptly.
• Ensure high standards of housekeeping, cleanliness and general farm presentation are maintained at all times.
• Manage farm labour effectively, including staff allocation, performance management, training and development.
• Conduct regular employee training and ensure that employees are competent and compliant with required procedures and standard.
• Develop and maintain a culture of accountability, teamwork, discipline and continuous improvement.
• Implement and maintain the 20 Keys Operational Improvement Programme on the farm.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental and Animal Welfare requirements, relevant legislation and Astral Standard Operating Practices.
• Maintain accurate farm records and ensure production data is captured and reported accurately and timeously.
• Analyse farm performance data and provide regular reports and feedback to the Production Manager.
• Investigate production challenges and implement effective corrective and preventative actions in consultation with the Production Manager and relevant support departments.
• Work closely with Veterinary Services, and other support departments to optimise flock performance.
• Assist with flock placement, vaccination programmes, transfers, depletion planning and other key production activities.
• Promote a proactive approach to identifying operational risks and implementing appropriate risk-control measures.
• Ensure the farm operates efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of product quality, biosecurity and animal welfare.
• Work efficiently within a team environment with tact, professionalism and patience.
• Be willing to work weekends, public holidays and after-hours when operational requirements dictate.

Required Qualifications And Knowledge

• B.Sc. Agriculture Degree or Diploma in Agriculture.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in poultry production, with relevant experience in breeder operations being advantageous.
• Previous farm management or supervisory experience will be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of breeder production principles and flock management.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of poultry biosecurity and animal welfare requirements.
• Strong people-management and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop employees.
• Ability to monitor, analyse and interpret production data and implement corrective actions.
• Basic understanding of budgeting, cost control and farm financial management.
• Passion for implementing and maintaining the 20 Keys Operational Improvement Programme.
• Strong attention to detail and high standards of housekeeping.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive and able to work independently.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational requirements.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Must have a passion for people, poultry production and animal welfare.
• Must be willing to work weekends and public holidays.

What We Offer

• A competitive, market-related salary package.
• Performance-based bonus.
• Onsite housing.
• Structured career development within Goldi and the Astral Group.
• Exposure to industry-leading poultry production systems and best practices.
• An opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing breeder farm while contributing directly to the success of the Goldi breeder operation.