Turkey Farm Manager in York

We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Turkey Farm Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of a modern turkey farming operation in Sutton on the Forest, York. This is a hands-on management position requiring strong leadership skills and a genuine commitment to bird welfare, health and safety, biosecurity, environmental management and production performance. You will lead and develop the farm team, ensuring operational and welfare targets are achieved while maintaining compliance with company procedures, assurance standards and relevant industry regulations.

WHAT'S ON OFFER

• £37,206.75 per annum
• On-site accommodation provided
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee benefits and discount platform
• Ongoing training and career development
• Opportunity to complete NVQ/Diploma Level 3 in Poultry Production
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Long-term career development opportunities

WORKING HOURS

• 48 hours per week
• 8 hours per day
• 6 days out of 7
• Weekend working required
• Additional hours may be required depending on operational needs
• Participation in on-call and emergency alarm call-out duties when required

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Poultry Management

• Manage turkey health and welfare to the highest possible standards.
• Regularly inspect birds and monitor health, welfare and production performance.
• Ensure feed and water provision meets flock requirements and operational standards.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate temperature, ventilation and environmental controls.
• Regularly weigh stock and adjust feeding programmes where required.
• Follow established management systems, controls and production programmes.
• Maintain accurate daily records and farm documentation.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
• Respond to emergency alarm call-outs when required.

Environmental & Site Management

• Ensure feeders, drinkers and farm equipment are operating correctly.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels of: Feed, Bedding, Fuel, Vaccines, Medication, PPE, General farm supplies.
• Identify and report equipment faults requiring specialist attention.
• Manage site hygiene and cleaning programmes.
• Test alarms, generators and fail-safe systems on a weekly basis and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure farm buildings, stores, offices and surrounding areas are clean and well maintained.
• Plan and coordinate farm maintenance activities.
• Maintain effective site security and visitor management procedures.
• Lead crop turnaround activities, including cleaning and disinfection.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Complete all required farm management systems and records accurately.
• Support and participate in internal and external audits.
• Ensure audit non-conformances are addressed promptly.
• Maintain flock records in accordance with assurance requirements.
• Monitor farm performance against budgets and operational targets.
• Ensure deliveries, stock movements and receipts are recorded accurately.
• Manage holiday and absence reporting for direct reports.
• Support people management processes in line with company policies and procedures.

COMMUNICATION

• Build effective working relationships with: Veterinarians, Hatcheries, Feed suppliers, Contractors, Internal support teams.
• Ensure contractors complete work to the required standards.
• Report welfare, health and production concerns immediately.
• Attend Farm Manager meetings and communicate relevant information to the farm team.
• Promote company communications, initiatives and best practices across the farm.

LEADERSHIP & TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Lead by example and promote positive behaviours.
• Coach, support and develop farm team members.
• Manage and motivate permanent and temporary employees.
• Address team issues appropriately and escalate where necessary.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and feedback discussions.
• Identify training requirements and ensure training is completed.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and development.
• Work alongside the team and support physical farm duties when required.
• Represent the organisation professionally at all times.

HEALTH & SAFETY

• Ensure the farm remains a safe working environment for employees, visitors and contractors.
• Proactively manage workplace risks through hazard and near-miss reporting.
• Investigate and report accidents within required timescales.
• Ensure safe working practices and appropriate PPE are consistently followed.
• Coordinate training and onboarding for new and existing employees.
• Maintain company procedures, training records and relevant documentation.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous poultry or turkey farming experience is desirable.
• NVQ/Diploma Level 3 in Poultry Production is preferred.
• Willingness to complete the qualification through company-supported training will be considered.
• Good general standard of education.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Good literacy and numeracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to manage a farm with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Good understanding of operational performance and compliance.

Personal Attributes

• Flexible and adaptable.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Forward-thinking.
• Positive and proactive.
• Strong team player.
• Committed and hardworking.
• Conscientious with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic.
• Confident and capable leader.

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Success in the role will be measured against:

• Achievement of budget and operational performance targets.
• Team coaching, training and development.
• Audit results and compliance standards.
• Bird welfare and quality performance.
• Health, Safety and Environmental compliance.
• Effective control of mortality, feed usage, waste, energy and water consumption.
• Staff retention and attendance.
• Accident and incident prevention.
• Compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Successful demonstration and maintenance of role competencies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Due to bird welfare regulations, applicants must not keep avian pets, poultry or pigs. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Turkey Farm Manager, Poultry Farm Manager, Assistant Farm Manager or experienced Livestock Manager looking to take full responsibility for a farming operation while developing their career within a supportive agricultural environment.