Breed Operations Manager - IA

Position Title:      Breed Operations Manager - IA
Reports to:          Director of Poultry Genetics
Location:             Rudd, IA
Status:                 Full-Time – Exempt

Job Summary

The Breed Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of breeding flocks and all aspects of breeder farm operations on contract farms throughout northeast Iowa. This role ensures grower compliance with company policies and production standards, manages flock health and performance, and coordinates essential logistics.

Essential Functions

• Works closely with the Director of Poultry Genetics.


• Oversees and directs applicable personnel and contract crews.


• Works closely with contract growers, addressing needs and concerns in a timely fashion.


• Ensures that breeder chick deliveries are coordinated.


• Works with contract growers to ensure they are meeting required policies and standards.


• Develops and effectively maintains farm visit schedules.


• Audits farms according to set audit schedule and maintains audit records.


• Uses production report information to identify and communicate performance to Director of Poultry Genetics and other applicable personnel.


• Works with contract growers to optimize layability and hatchability performance.


• Develops, implements, and enforces improvement plans for contract grower farms.


• Troubleshoots production issues including hatchability, layability, disease control, and pest control.


• Coordinates and implements flock vaccination and biological testing schedules.


• Oversees and maintains proper inventory of vaccines and other testing materials.


• Collects and submits environmental and water samples.


• Coordinates starter barns and transportation for breeder stock.


• Participates in industry continuing education and events.


• Performs all other duties as assigned by management.


• Performs on call duties, as required, on weekends and evenings.

Job Qualifications

• BS in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or equivalent experience preferred


• Two years’ experience managing breeding flocks and/or production fowl preferred


• Ability to earn required certifications


• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Skills

• Must be willing and able to handle live poultry.


• Experience with alternative poultry production methods


• Ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.


• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret important instructions, guidelines, and/or communications and respond accordingly.


• Excellent verbal and written communication.


• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.


• Excellent driving record.

Competencies

• Customer servitude


• Team player


• Ethical conduct


• Problem solving/Analysis


• Organized


• Time management


• Tenacity


• Communication proficiency


• Adaptable to change


• Focused on continuous improvement

Physical Demands

• Requires the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions


• Requires the ability to tolerate unpleasant odors associated with eggs and poultry of various quality


• This position may require heavy lifting up to 70 lbs.


• Frequently required to stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, bend, and reach


• Frequently required to stand and/or sit for extended periods


• Normal corrective vision range, ability to see color and distinguish letters, numbers, symbols, shapes, and patterns.

Travel Requirements

• “Day Trips” 4+ days per week


• Overnight Travel – up to 20%