Hatchery Manager

A Hatchery Manager in an FMCG company manages the entire hatchery operation from start to finish to ensure the production of high-quality livestock or fish for the food supply chain. Key responsibilities include overseeing egg setting, incubation, hatching, and chick or larval preparation; managing staff; maintaining strict hygiene and biosecurity protocols; ensuring compliance with regulations; and coordinating with other departments for a smooth supply chain.

Key responsibilities:

• Operational management:

Supervise all day-to-day activities, including egg collection, incubation, hatching, grading, and chick/larval preparation and shipping.

• Environmental control:

Monitor and maintain optimal conditions for incubators and other equipment, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation.

• Staff management:

Recruit, train, and manage hatchery staff to ensure high performance, safety, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Biosecurity and compliance:

Implement and enforce strict biosecurity, hygiene protocols, and health and safety standards to prevent disease outbreaks. Ensure compliance with animal welfare, food safety, and environmental regulations.

• Quality and performance:

Monitor key performance indicators such as hatchability, chick/larval quality, and mortality rates. Identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.

• Record keeping:

Maintain detailed and accurate records of hatchery performance, egg sources, production data, and other relevant information.

• Supply chain coordination:

Liaise with other departments, such as breeder farms, logistics, and sales, to ensure the smooth flow of products from the hatchery to the final market.

• Inventory and supplies:

Manage inventory and order necessary supplies, such as vaccines, disinfectants, and other equipment.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field like fishery science or agriculture
• Significant experience in a hatchery environment is essential, typically 5 to 8+ years for senior roles.
• Strong leadership, management, and technical skills are necessary to oversee both staff and complex operations.