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A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join a successful family Farming Business, nestled in the heart of East Anglia. The Farm has been thriving for nearly 100 years across four generations and continues to grow. The farm houses 44,000 high welfare, free-range hens, providing a continuous supply of premium eggs to their dedicated, on farm, egg packing facility.
Primary Focus
Manage the operations of a family-owned farming business, which includes:
- A free-range egg-laying enterprise with 44,000 high-welfare laying hens.
- A British Lion Assured egg packing and distribution operation.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Operations Management
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the egg production enterprise, ensuring optimal productivity, of the highest quality eggs, while maintaining animal health and RSPCA Assured welfare standards.
- Manage existing, and support with recruiting additional free range egg producers locally.
- Manage the egg packing facility in compliance with the British Lion Code of Practice.
- Develop and implement strategies for operational efficiency, cost control, and profitability.
Animal Welfare and Compliance
- Ensure adherence to high-welfare standards for the laying flocks, including health checks, diet optimization, and environmental enrichment.
- Manage and maintain a high level of biosecurity to protect against disease threats.
- Maintain compliance with animal welfare legislation, British Lion standards, and food safety regulations.
- Plan flock rotations with pullet suppliers and depletion teams to ensure a constant supply of eggs into the packing facility.
- Conduct regular audits of facilities to ensure hygiene, biosecurity, and quality standards.
Team Leadership and Training
- Lead, supervise, and train staff in both the farming and packing operations.
- Foster a positive work culture emphasizing teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Develop staff schedules and ensure adequate staffing during production periods.
Quality Assurance and Product Management
- Oversee quality control processes for egg collection, grading, and packing.
- Ensure traceability from farm to packing, maintaining accurate records for audits and customer assurance.
- Monitor and address issues related to product quality or customer complaints.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Responsibility
- Promote and enforce health and safety policies for staff and contractors.
- Oversee waste management and implement environmentally sustainable practices within the farm and packing operations.
- Develop and manage emergency response protocols for biosecurity risks, such as disease outbreaks.
Financial and Administrative Oversight
- Prepare and manage budgets for farming and packing operations.
- Track operational costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and manage supplier relationships.
- Maintain accurate records of production, for compliance with internal and external audits.
Supply Chain Management
- Manage contracts with suppliers including an inventory for feed, packaging materials, and other essentials.
- Develop and manage relationships with sub-contractors to ensure timely repair and maintenance of equipment.
- Manage the businesses vehicle fleet maintenance to ensure consistent deliveries of high-quality eggs to retailers and wholesalers.
Innovation and Development
- Evaluate and adopt new technologies or practices to improve efficiency and welfare standards.
- Stay informed about industry trends and emerging regulations in free-range egg production.
KPIs and Success Metrics
- Employee Retention and Safety: High employee satisfaction, and zero workplace accidents.
- Animal Welfare Compliance: Zero non-compliance with welfare standards or inspections.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduction in production downtime and improved cost management.
- Product Quality: Minimal product recalls or customer complaints related to quality.
- Financial Performance: Achieving or exceeding profit margins and budgetary targets.
Please submit your CV and covering letter to apply.
