Poultry Farm Manager in Reading

Poultry Farm Manager – Free Range Layers Location: Berkshire Salary: Competitive, Dependent on Experience (DOE) Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time Accommodation: Included Poultry Farm Manager – The Opportunity Talent Agri is recruiting on behalf of a well-established commercial poultry business for an experienced Poultry Farm Manager to join their operation in Berkshire. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced poultry professional looking for a permanent, long-term position with genuine responsibility for the day-to-day management of a commercial poultry farm. The business operates a multi-age free-range laying system, with eggs produced, graded and packed on site. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the daily management of the laying flock, maintaining excellent standards of bird welfare, flock health, production and biosecurity. This is a hands-on position and would suit someone who is comfortable taking responsibility, making day-to-day decisions and working alongside the existing farm team. Key Responsibilities * Manage the day-to-day care and operation of the commercial free-range laying flock * Maintain excellent standards of bird welfare, health and flock performance * Monitor egg production, feed consumption and environmental conditions * Identify and report flock health, welfare or production concerns * Maintain accurate flock, welfare and production records * Maintain high standards of hygiene and farm biosecurity * Ensure farm procedures and relevant assurance standards are followed * Support egg grading, packing and dispatch operations when required * Carry out routine checks of poultry housing, machinery and equipment * Undertake basic maintenance, fault finding and minor repairs * Assist with general farm, building and site maintenance when required * Maintain Health & Safety and environmental standards * Support and work closely with the existing farm team * Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and farm standards * Take responsibility for day-to-day operational decisions and problem-solving Skills, Qualifications & Experience * NVQ Level 2 or above in Poultry Production, Agriculture, Livestock Production, Animal Care or another relevant agricultural qualification * Previous experience within commercial poultry production, ideally free-range or laying hens * Strong practical knowledge of poultry husbandry, flock health and bird welfare * Good understanding of commercial poultry biosecurity and hygiene procedures * Understanding of relevant farm assurance and Health & Safety requirements * Good mechanical aptitude with basic maintenance and repair skills * Strong organisational and record-keeping skills * Confident working independently and using your own initiative * Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team * Full UK Driving Licence – essential * Flexibility to work alternate weekends as part of the normal rota Salary & Benefits The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary dependent on experience, together with accommodation included as part of the package. This is a permanent position offering genuine responsibility and the opportunity to become an important part of a growing agricultural business. About You We are looking for someone practical, reliable and hands-on who takes pride in maintaining high standards. You should be comfortable taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of a poultry operation whilst remaining willing to get involved practically when required. This position could particularly suit an experienced Poultry Manager, Poultry Farm Manager, Assistant Poultry Manager, Poultry Unit Manager, Layer Farm Manager, Senior Poultry Stockperson or experienced Poultry Stockperson looking to take the next step in their career. Working Pattern Permanent | Full-Time Due to the nature of commercial poultry farming, flexibility is required, including alternate weekend working as part of the normal rota