Contract Grower Manager- Grain Field Chickens x1
Position Details
- Position: Contract Grower Manager
- Company: Grain Field Chickens
- Parent Company: VKB Group
- Location: Reitz
- Industry: Poultry Production / Agriculture
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: 21 May 2026
Purpose of the Role
The purpose of this role is to:
- Support contract poultry growers with broiler production management
- Ensure compliance with quality assurance and biosecurity standards
- Improve poultry production performance and product quality
- Conduct audits and implement corrective actions
- Provide technical and operational support to growers and stakeholders
Main Responsibilities
Poultry Production Management
- Support broiler contract growers in managing poultry farming operations.
- Advise growers on:
- Poultry production processes
- Equipment usage
- Broiler chick care and conservation
- Poultry housing and environmental control
- Monitor broiler farm performance and compliance with company standards.
- Analyse and report on production data weekly.
Quality Assurance and Auditing
- Develop, implement, and maintain QMA systems.
- Conduct internal audits and provide corrective action recommendations.
- Participate in external audits and ensure compliance with:
- TIMS requirements
- Company standards
- Industry regulations
- Investigate customer complaints and determine root causes.
- Identify areas of non-conformance and implement corrective actions.
Biosecurity and Hygiene Management
- Ensure adherence to biosecurity systems and poultry health standards.
- Drive hygiene and cleaning standards in production facilities.
- Monitor pest control and cleaning program effectiveness.
- Enforce GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices).
Technical and Operational Support
- Liaise with:
- Feed mills
- Veterinarians
- Animal nutritionists
- Technical advisors
- Abattoir management
- Provide technical guidance and support to growers.
- Assist during construction of new broiler farms and houses.
- Maintain calibration schedules for testing and measuring equipment.
Training and Development
- Mentor and train employees, growers, suppliers, and contractors.
- Identify training needs among broiler growers.
- Stay updated on new technologies, products, and production techniques.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Grade 12 / NQF Level 4
- Qualification in:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Production
(Advantageous)
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in:
- Poultry production
- Hatchery operations
- Chicken grower environments
Technical Knowledge
- Functional anatomy and physiology of birds
- Poultry nutrition management
- Poultry health management
- Poultry housing and equipment
- Environmental control systems in poultry production
Required Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
- MS Office (Intermediate level)
- Report writing
- Conducting non-conformance audits
- Presentation skills
- Safety system implementation
- Risk assessments and legal compliance
- Knowledge of:
- ISO 22000
- ISO 14001
- ISO 45001 / OHS systems
- Occupational Health and Safety regulations
- Environmental stewardship practices
Personal Skills
- Self-motivated and independent
- Able to work under pressure
- Adaptable and innovative
- Strong ownership and accountability
- Able to work long hours and travel frequently
Interpersonal Skills
- Relationship management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Communication and teamwork
- Training and mentoring ability
Working Conditions
- Frequent travel between farms
- Long working hours including weekends when required
- Physically demanding agricultural environment
- Requires independent field-based work
About the Company
Grain Field Chickens is a poultry production business operating within the integrated broiler industry in the Free State. As part of the VKB Group, the company focuses on quality poultry production, sustainability, operational excellence, and supporting agricultural growth in South Africa.