Hatchery Manager - Dealesville at Country Bird Holdings Ltd (CBH)

Job Advert Summary    

The successful candidate will be responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Hatchery, and for managing the Hatchery’s’ day to day operations, by producing day old chicks at the correct quantity, quality at the lowest cost. 

Minimum Requirements    

• Grade 12
• Tertiary qualification is advantageous.
• No less than 5 years’ work experience in a Hatchery Management environment/role
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Good knowledge of Hatchery Operations
• Attention to detail with a systematic, methodical approach.
• Ability to solve problems and take corrective action.
• Strong leadership and managerial competencies.
• Understanding of Poultry Physiology and Embryology.
• Excellent Communication and People Skills.
• Hatchery Maintenance
• Computer literate with knowledge of the following programmes: MS Office, Chick Master, Petersime, PasReform, Eggsactly
• Demonstrable, advanced knowledge and skills within the Hatchery environment
• The ability to extract maximum performance from Hatchery equipment.
• A history of achieving consistent hatching results

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Egg Incubation and Hatching: Managing the incubation process, including setting up and monitoring incubators, ensuring proper temperature, humidity, and ventilation levels, and overseeing the hatching process.
• Quality Control: Ensuring the quality of eggs, chicks, and poultry products by implementing quality control measures, monitoring hatch rates, and addressing any issues that may arise.
• Staff Management: Hiring, training, and supervising hatchery staff, including incubator technicians, hatchery workers, and maintenance personnel.
• Biosecurity: Implementing biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of diseases and pathogens within the hatchery, including controlling access to the facility, disinfecting equipment, and monitoring for signs of illness in chicks.
• Inventory Management: Managing inventory levels of eggs, chicks, and supplies, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials needed for hatchery operations.
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of hatchery operations, including egg production, hatch rates, inventory levels, and any incidents or issues that occur. Generating reports for management and regulatory agencies as required.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, including proper handling of chemicals and hazardous materials, providing safety training to staff, and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Budgeting and Cost Management: Developing and managing the hatchery budget, including forecasting expenses, monitoring costs, and identifying opportunities for cost savings or efficiency improvements.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifying opportunities for process improvement and implementing changes to optimize hatchery operations, increase productivity, and enhance product quality.
• Monitoring facility equipment, repairs and maintenance
• Manage and maintain weekly hatch schedules.
• Planning of: egg plan, transfer, set plan, hatch, orders and loading of trucks