Poultry Manager job - Berkshire

West Berkshire Family-Run Business Full-Time Accommodation Available We are looking for an exceptional, hands-on Poultry Manager to join our family-run poultry farm and egg packing business in West Berkshire. This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, responsibility and getting things done. Working directly alongside the Business Owners, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running and continued development of the poultry farm. There will also be an opportunity to be involved with the egg packing operation and wider business. If you are practical, reliable, commercially minded and the sort of person who is happy to turn their hand to whatever needs doing, this could be the role for you.

About the Business

We operate a multi-age free-range laying farm, alongside an egg packing operation. Eggs are produced, graded and packed on the farm before being supplied to a growing customer base including:

• Local shops
• Local markets
• Catering businesses
• Food wholesalers

We have recently invested in a new purpose-built egg packing facility with a new egg packing machine, providing an exciting opportunity to be involved in the continued growth and development of the business.

The Role

This is a genuinely varied and hands on position where no two days are the same. You will work closely with the Business Owners and our dedicated team, taking responsibility for the running of the farm. Your responsibilities may include:

• Overseeing the daily care and management of the free-range laying flock, maintaining the highest standards of bird welfare, health and performance.
• Monitoring flock health, production, feed usage and environmental conditions.
• Maintaining accurate farm and production records.
• Being involved with the egg grading, packing and dispatch operation when needed.
• Carrying out routine maintenance and minor repairs to machinery, equipment and mechanical systems.
• Assisting with general farm, building and site maintenance.
• Ensuring high standards of health & safety, environmental compliance and relevant assurance schemes.
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and standards across the business.
• Supporting and working alongside the existing team.
• Taking responsibility for day-to-day decision-making and solving problems as they arise.

There will be alternate weekend working as part of the role.

Who Are We Looking For?

This position could suit someone who is already experienced in commercial poultry production and is ready to take on greater responsibility, or someone with a strong agricultural background who is keen to develop their career within the poultry industry. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who:

• Is enthusiastic, practical and willing to get stuck in.
• Takes responsibility and uses initiative.
• Is trustworthy.
• Has a forward thinking, problem solving approach.
• Is reliable and takes pride in their work.
• Is organised and pays close attention to detail.
• Is willing to learn and develop.
• Can work independently but is also a strong team player.
• Is comfortable working across both agricultural and commercial aspects of the business.
• Has a good understanding of Maths and English and can communicate effectively with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
• Has the ability to perform heavy lifting regularly in a farm setting.
• Has a good sense of humour and enjoys working as part of a close knit team!

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in poultry management, preferably within a commercial laying or free-range operation.
• A sound understanding of poultry husbandry, flock health and animal welfare.
• Good mechanical aptitude and the ability to carry out routine maintenance and basic repairs.
• Strong organisational and record keeping skills.
• The ability to work independently and make sound day to day decisions.
• A full driving licence is essential.

What We Offer

• A varied and responsible role within a progressive, family run agricultural business.
• The opportunity to work directly with the Business Owners and have a genuine influence on the future of the business.
• A role with significant variety and responsibility.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience and the responsibilities of the role.
• Generous annual holiday entitlement.
• Accommodation available if required, situated in a beautiful West Berkshire village with a local primary school, village shop and pub.
• Excellent local secondary schools within easy reach.
• The opportunity to develop your skills and career within a growing poultry and egg packing business.

This Could Be Your Next Step

If you are the type of person who sees what needs doing and gets on with it, enjoys responsibility and wants to become a key part of a successful family business, we would love to hear from you. A detailed job description is available on request.