Agriculture Manager in Driffield, North East

Teamwork Partnership is currently recruiting for one of their clients, a long-established, family-run poultry business based in East Yorkshire. Founded in 1947, the company has grown from a small local farming enterprise into one of the region's leading chicken producers, while maintaining its core values of integrity, quality, sustainability, and high welfare standards. Operating from Middleton on the Wolds, the client works closely with a trusted network of local farmers, supplying high-quality chicken products to retailers, butchers, catering businesses, and foodservice providers across the UK. Through continued investment in modern farming and processing facilities, the company remains committed to responsible food production, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement in bird welfare and operational excellence.

The Role: Agricultural Catching Manager

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands-on Agricultural Catching Manager to lead and coordinate our poultry catching operations. This role is responsible for managing a team of poultry catchers and HGV drivers, ensuring birds are caught, handled, and transported efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with welfare and biosecurity standards. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in maintaining operational performance while upholding the highest standards of health & safety and bird welfare.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management
  • Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of poultry catchers and HGV drivers.
  • Plan and coordinate daily catching schedules in line with production requirements.
  • Deliver clear team briefings and ensure effective communication at all times.
  • Monitor team performance and provide training, coaching, and development.
  • Manage rotas, attendance, discipline, and workforce planning.
• Operational Coordination
  • Oversee catching operations across multiple farm locations.
  • Ensure birds are caught, handled, loaded, and transported efficiently and humanely.
  • Liaise with farm managers and processing plant management to ensure smooth workflow.
  • Ensure vehicles, modules, and catching equipment are maintained and used correctly.
  • Minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.
• Health & Safety
  • Enforce strict adherence to company health & safety policies and procedures.
  • Conduct and review risk assessments and safe systems of work.
  • Ensure correct use of PPE at all times.
  • Promote a strong safety-first culture within the team.
  • Investigate incidents, accidents, and near-misses, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Bird Welfare & Biosecurity
  • Ensure all catching and handling activities comply with UK animal welfare legislation and company welfare standards.
  • Monitor bird handling to minimise stress, injury, and mortality.
  • Ensure biosecurity protocols are strictly followed across all farm sites.
  • Support internal and external audits relating to welfare and compliance.
  • Drive continuous improvement in welfare practices.
• Communication & Administration
  • Maintain clear, professional communication with catching teams, HGV drivers, farm managers, and production management.
  • Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Report operational issues, welfare concerns, and safety risks promptly.

Working Hours & Conditions

Standard working pattern: Monday to Thursday, typically 02:00am to 14:00pm. Minimum of 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of poultry production, increased working hours will be required during the festive period and at times of increased business demand. Flexibility is essential, as start and finish times may vary depending on farm locations and operational requirements. This role involves early starts, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and physically demanding activity. The successful candidate must be prepared to lead by example and maintain high standards at all times.

Candidate Requirements

• Essential
  • Proven experience in poultry catching, agricultural operations, or livestock handling.
  • Experience managing and leading teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organisational and leadership skills.
  • Proficient in spoken and written English, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels.
  • Good understanding of health & safety regulations within agricultural or industrial environments.
  • Sound knowledge of bird welfare standards and biosecurity practices.
  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Ability to work early mornings and extended hours when required.
• Desirable
  • Experience working with or managing HGV drivers.
  • CPC qualification.
  • Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH).
  • Experience supporting compliance or welfare audits.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on leader who leads by example.
• Calm under pressure with strong decision-making ability.
• Detail-oriented and compliance-focused.
• Resilient and adaptable in a demanding operational environment.
• Committed to maintaining the highest standards of welfare, safety, and professionalism.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience) plus bonus.
• Stable Monday-Thursday working pattern.
• Opportunity to join a respected, family-owned agricultural business.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Supportive working environment with a strong team culture.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits: Company pension, Employee discount, Flexitime, On-site parking, Store discount

Work Location: In person