National Chicks, a leading international supplier of day-old chicks and hatching eggs within the Astral Group, is seeking a highly skilled Hatchery Manager.
You will lead and oversee all daily operations and managing people to optimize hatching capacity and ensure superior day-old chick quality. National Chicks prides itself in the supply of “Superior from Day 1” Ross 308-day old chicks in South Africa and selected export markets
Role Responsibilities:
• The role will report to the National Hatcheries Manager
• Responsible for the management of the Gauteng based hatchery operations, including incubation, hatching and chick delivery, maintenance, ensuring the best production efficiency and day-old chick quality. This is the biggest hatchery in National Chicks.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of hatchery staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability and professional growth.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximise productivity while minimizing costs.
• Establish and maintain biosecurity protocols to safeguard flock health and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
• Maintaining the company’s assets and constantly striving to improve results.
• Work efficiently in a team environment with tact and patience.
• Maintaining Risk control, Occupational Health, Environmental control and Animal welfare requirements and standards as per relevant legislation and Astral Standard Operating practices.
• Control of production processes and responsible for maintaining production standards in terms of quality and volumes.
• Assist in preparing budgets, managing and controlling running expenses.
• Ensuring the highest product quality/ hygiene standards are always maintained.
• Adhering to Health and Safety requirements and laws.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPI’s) and implement corrective actions as needed to achieve operational targets.
• Implementation and maintenance of the 20 keys Operational Improvement programmes.
Required Qualification and Knowledge:
• BSc. degree in Agriculture or relevant tertiary qualification would be advantageous.
• 5+ years of experience in hatchery operations or poultry management or maintenance management
• Understand hatchery management software and data analysis tools.
• Experience with budget management and financial forecasting.
• Understanding of biosecurity measures and animal welfare.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Focus on people,
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid Driving license
• Able to work under pressure
• A pro-active approach to problem solving and operational challenges.
• Adaptable to changing environments.
• Must have a passion for people and animals.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Outlook).
What we offer:
• A competitive, market-related salary package
• Performance bonus
• Onsite housing for family
• Opportunity to work within Astral Group anywhere within South Africa if positions arise
• Growing career opportunity within the company and also within the whole Astral Group as the biggest poultry company in South Africa.
• Learning and development opportunities
• The company supports relocation costs in accordance with Company policy
Visit our website at: www.nationalchicks.com