Role Purpose:

The Commercial Layer Department Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the company’s commercial layer operations, including both rearing and production farms.

This role ensures optimal bird health, welfare, productivity, and farm profitability while maintaining high standards in biosecurity, compliance, staff performance, and operational efficiency. The incumbent will drive the execution of business objectives through effective on-farm management and continuous improvement across the layer portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of rearing and layer production farms across multiple sites.
• Ensure achievement of production KPIs including livability, egg production, feed conversion, egg quality, and hen performance.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all farms.
• Monitor and analyse farm performance data and implement corrective actions where required.
• Coordinate bird placements, flock depletions, feed planning, and production schedules with relevant teams.
• Ensure farm infrastructure and equipment are maintained and operating effectively.

Flock Performance Management

• Monitor and manage brooding, rearing, and production performance.
• Ensure targets for body weight, uniformity, mortality, and egg production are achieved.
• Maintain optimal flock conditions to maximise output and efficiency.

Animal Welfare & Biosecurity

• Uphold high animal welfare standards in line with company and regulatory requirements.
• Implement and enforce strict biosecurity protocols across all sites.
• Coordinate vaccination programmes and ensure adherence to schedules.
• Work closely with veterinary teams to monitor flock health and prevent disease outbreaks.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Farm Managers and operational teams.
• Conduct regular site visits and performance reviews.
• Implement training programmes focused on poultry husbandry, biosecurity, and operational excellence.
• Manage staff performance, discipline, and development to ensure high productivity and engagement.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Prepare and manage operational budgets including feed, labour, medication, and maintenance.
• Monitor and control costs to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Analyse cost per unit and implement cost-saving initiatives where possible.

Reporting & Compliance

• Provide regular reports on production performance, flock health, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure all farms comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and safety policies.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented timeously.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Liaise with hatchery, feed, logistics, maintenance, and processing teams to ensure alignment.
• Coordinate flock placements and egg delivery schedules to meet business requirements.
• Work with engineering and maintenance teams on infrastructure improvements and issue resolution.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Flock performance (body weight, uniformity, mortality, egg production).
• Biosecurity compliance and disease prevention.
• Cost efficiency and budget adherence.
• Staff performance, retention, and training completion.
• Timely and accurate reporting.
• Compliance with safety and regulatory standards.