Manager: Hatchery

Description

• The Hatchery Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective management of hatchery operations, ensuring optimal chick quality, compliance with biosecurity and safety standards, and alignment with production targets
• This role requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and coordination with multiple departments to support company goals

Duties

• Hatchery Operations Management:
• Manage day-to-day operations of the single-stage hatchery unit, including egg setting, incubation, hatching, chick transfer, vaccination and placement
• Monitor and optimize hatchery production schedules, egg forecasts, and chick output targets
• Ensure all hatchery systems (temperature, ventilation, alarms, and equipment) are operating effectively and maintained according to standard
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and biosecurity throughout the hatchery facility
• Implement and maintain an effective preventative maintenance program for equipment and buildings
• Strategic Planning and Coordination:
• Lead strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for the hatchery department
• Plan and manage daily, weekly, and monthly egg setting and hatching schedules in alignment with sales forecasts and production needs
• Balance the egg bank and forecast chick production based on breeder farm inputs and market demand
• Coordinate closely with broiler and breeder farms to ensure timely and accurate egg supply and chick placements
• Quality Assurance and Compliance:
• Conduct daily inspections of tractors, skid steers, and related equipment to ensure they are in good working condition, including checking brakes, tires, oil levels, hydraulics, lights, and overall machine condition
• Clean tractors and skid steers at the end of each week (or more often if required) to maintain cleanliness and adhere to hygiene protocols
• Perform basic maintenance tasks such as greasing, fluid top-ups, and basic repairs to keep tractors and skid steers in optimal working condition
• Report mechanical issues, wear and tear, or safety concerns promptly to the supervisor for further action and repairs
• People and Performance Management:
• Lead, supervise, and develop hatchery teams including technical staff, setters, graders, and support personnel
• Assign roles, delegate tasks, and monitor employee performance against defined Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide training and development opportunities for team members
• Maintain discipline, motivation, and effective communication across the hatchery team
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and disciplinary procedures as required
• Equipment and Facility Oversight:
• Ensure all hatchery equipment (setters, hatchers, ventilation systems and vaccination equipment) undergo timely preventive and corrective maintenance
• Conduct regular inspections and coordinate with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and maintain operational continuity
• Stock and Inventory Control
• Manage inventory levels of vaccines, consumables, and hatchery equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations
• Procure additional eggs and critical supplies as needed
• Reconcile stock, particularly egg stocks, and maintain accurate inventory records
• Report chick production metrics against breed standards and submit operational reports to senior management
• Health, Safety and Biosecurity:
• Implement and monitor compliance with the hatchery’s biosecurity and safety plans
• Ensure a safe working environment for all staff by enforcing occupational health and safety procedures
• Address any biosecurity breaches or safety issues promptly and effectively

Requisites

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Animal Science, Poultry Production, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of hatchery management or senior supervisory experience in a commercial poultry environment
• Strong understanding of hatchery equipment and systems
• Computer literacy (MS Office, Hatchery software)
• Proven record of leading successful teams
• Namibian citizen
• Proficient in English, being bilingual will be advantageous
• Able to work shifts, weekends, overtime, Sundays and on Public Holidays

How to Apply

1. Documentation

• Comprehensive CV
• Full academic record (Includes Grade Twelve (12) as well as Tertiary Qualification results
• Certified Copy of ID / Birth Certificate
• Certified Copy of valid Namibian Driver’s license

2. Application

• Send your Documentation to Human Resources at HRSalaries@npi.com.na with the Subject line “Manager: Hatchery"
• Indicate the source of this job post: working.co.na
• ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED
• THE SUBJECT LINE FOR APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE: MANAGER: HATCHERY ONLY APPLICATIONS WITH THIS SUBJECT LINE WILL BE CONSIDERED