Live Production Manager

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all live production functions supporting Feed, Hatchery, and Grow-Out Operations.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve production, quality, animal welfare, and financial goals.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures across all live production functions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Ensure alignment between live production objectives and company strategic goals.
• Collaborate with Feed Mill leadership to ensure timely delivery of quality feed to all production facilities.
• Monitor feed conversion performance and identify opportunities to improve feed utilization and flock performance.
• Support nutrition programs and feed management strategies that maximize production efficiency.
• Coordinate resolution of feed quality, logistics, and inventory issues impacting operations.
• Partner with Hatchery Management to optimize hatchability, chick quality, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor hatchery performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards.
• Coordinate chick placement schedules and communication between hatchery and grow-out operations.
• Direct grow-out activities to achieve performance objectives for livability, feed conversion, growth rates, and processing yields.
• Provide leadership and support to field managers, service technicians, and contract growers.
• Monitor flock performance and implement corrective actions to improve production results.
• Oversee live supply planning and farm management activities.
• Promote best management practices across all grow-out facilities.
• Ensure strict compliance with company biosecurity and animal welfare programs.
• Partner with Veterinary Services to implement flock health and disease prevention programs.
• Lead response efforts related to disease challenges and emergency preparedness.
• Support animal welfare audits and regulatory inspections.
• Develop, manage, and control departmental budgets and operational expenses.
• Analyze production and financial data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive cost-control initiatives while maintaining production performance and quality standards.
• Support capital projects and operational planning efforts.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with contract growers.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management for growers and production personnel.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing team members.
• Promote employee engagement, professional development, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain environmental compliance and support sustainability initiatives.
• Promote workplace safety and ensure adherence to company safety programs.
• Support audit readiness and corrective action processes.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, Business, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive poultry production leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting Feed, Hatchery, and Grow-Out Operations.
• Experience leading multiple teams, locations, and contract grower operations.
• Strong knowledge of poultry production systems, animal health, nutrition, and welfare programs.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Frequent travel to farms, hatcheries, feed mills, and production facilities.
• Exposure to agricultural and production environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours and respond to operational emergencies as needed.
• Exposure to live poultry and airborne contaminants.
• Annual influenza vaccination required per CDC guidance.
• Must be medically cleared to wear a respirator in accordance with OSHA standards.