Production Manager (Breeders) – Goldi
- Employer: Goldi, part of the Astral Group
- Position: Production Manager (Breeders)
- Location: Villiers, Free State
- Industry: Poultry Production / Agriculture
- Reporting to: Breeder Manager
- Job Type: Not specified
Job Overview
Goldi is seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager (Breeders) to take responsibility for the overall management and performance of a designated breeder farm in Villiers.
The successful candidate will oversee the rearing and laying operations, flock performance, biosecurity, animal welfare, people management and operational efficiency. The role is suited to a hands-on agricultural leader who can drive production targets while maintaining high standards of health, safety and farm management.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day operations and performance of the designated breeder farm.
- Manage rearing and laying operations according to company production standards.
- Lead, motivate and develop farm management and operational teams.
- Monitor flock performance and key production indicators.
- Identify production deviations and implement corrective actions.
- Drive targets relating to hatching egg production, fertility, hatchability, mortality, uniformity, egg quality and overall flock performance.
- Ensure strict adherence to farm biosecurity protocols.
- Maintain high standards of bird health, welfare and environmental management.
- Control operating costs and ensure effective use of resources.
- Assist with farm budget preparation and monitor expenditure.
- Safeguard farm buildings, equipment, infrastructure and company assets.
- Identify and address maintenance requirements.
- Maintain excellent housekeeping, cleanliness and farm presentation.
- Manage labour, including staff allocation, performance management, training and development.
- Conduct employee training and ensure compliance with procedures.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, discipline and continuous improvement.
- Implement and maintain the 20 Keys Operational Improvement Programme.
- Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety, environmental and animal welfare requirements.
- Maintain accurate farm records and ensure production data is captured and reported correctly.
- Analyse production data and provide regular reports to the Breeder Manager.
- Investigate production challenges and implement corrective and preventative actions.
- Work with Veterinary Services and other support departments to optimise flock performance.
- Assist with flock placement, vaccination programmes, transfers and depletion planning.
- Identify operational risks and implement appropriate controls.
- Ensure the farm operates efficiently while maintaining product quality, biosecurity and animal welfare standards.
- Work professionally and collaboratively within the farm team.
- Work weekends, public holidays and after-hours when operational requirements require it.
Minimum Requirements
- BSc Agriculture degree or Diploma in Agriculture.
- At least 5 years’ experience in poultry production.
- Relevant breeder operation experience will be advantageous.
- Previous farm management or supervisory experience will be advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of breeder production principles and flock management.
- Practical knowledge of poultry biosecurity and animal welfare.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills.
- Ability to analyse production data and implement corrective actions.
- Basic understanding of budgeting, cost control and farm financial management.
- Passion for implementing the 20 Keys Operational Improvement Programme.
- Strong attention to detail and high housekeeping standards.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational requirements.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Passion for people, poultry production and animal welfare.
- Willingness to work weekends and public holidays.
Key Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Poultry production expertise
- Breeder flock management
- Leadership and people development
- Biosecurity management
- Animal welfare awareness
- Production data analysis
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Cost and resource management
- Operational improvement
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
- Accountability and discipline
- Ability to perform under pressure
What Goldi Offers
- Competitive, market-related salary package.
- Performance-based bonus.
- On-site housing.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Structured career development within Goldi and the Astral Group.
- Potential opportunities within the Astral Group across South Africa.
- Exposure to industry-leading poultry production systems and best practices.
- Opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing breeder farm and contribute directly to Goldi’s breeder operations.