The Poultry Production Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of Layer and Pullet housing which includes managing teams and working with the chickens. The Poultry Production Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day monitoring and reporting of animal health. This position is responsible for managing the Layer Production Manager, Poultry Care Supervisors, and Flex Team Manager, and interacts closely with the Director of Poultry Management, VP of Egg Production & Processing, Feed Mill Manager, and Maintenance Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct management of Layer Production Manager, Poultry Care Supervisors (who manage the day-to-day activities of the Poultry Care Attendants), and the Flex Team Manager. This includes scheduling, performance management, and time card approval of direct reports.
• Ensure departmental job tasks are prioritized and completed efficiently and within the required time.
• Ultimate responsibility of ensuring proper handling of the poultry at all times.
• Coordinating with Flex teams, contractors and seasonal employee’s activities with overall lifecycle of chickens.
• Daily checkout of poultry housing systems (Feed, Lights, Air, Water, Sanitation: FLAWS) to ensure that all systems are working properly.
• Oversee implementation of procedures and processes related to poultry husbandry.
• Monitor animal health and production. Keep current on practices and methods relating to animal health.
• Maintain all associated records including flock performance records and certification documentation.
• Responsible for execution of all related compliance programs.
• Work closely and communicate regularly with the Director of Poultry Management and VP, production and Processing regarding animal health and monitoring.
• Communicate with other Kreher managers to implement company and Farm programs, as well as ensure departments are functional and incredible service standards are met.
• Lead by example by learning and educating others, and ensure employees have up-to-date performance reviews and receive feedback that is fair, accurate, and helps them do their jobs better.
• Provide feedback on training programs and look for ways to improve practices, including follow-ups with newly trained employees.
• Share results with employees and ensure recognition of individual and team achievements, as well as providing specific informal and formal feedback to employees in a timely fashion.
• Act as a team player (support and encourage co-workers); treat management, co-workers, and employees with respect according to the Kreher Shared Values.
• Participate in applicable audits.
• Set up/monitor automated environmental control systems.
• Ensure that alarms are beings responded to with a sense of urgency, as appropriate.
• Interface closely with Director of Poultry Management, Site/General Manager, Feed Mill Manager, and Maintenance Manager.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science or agricultural related field is preferred.
• Large farm experience preferred.
• Agricultural business experience preferred.
• Operations management and experience leading teams required.

The Poultry Production Manager also needs to have:

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Strong animal husbandry skills.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Ability and interest in working hands-on with animals.
• Strong organization skills.
• Self-starter, innovative, team player, results-oriented.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Attention to detail, strong record-keeping skills.
• Be comfortable with technology currently in use and also new technology being introduced.
• An understanding of basic business practices.
• Ability to interface successfully with vendors.
• Uncompromised ethics and integrity.
• Possess a high degree of initiative.
• Demonstrates commitment to continued professional growth and development.