Sovereign Foods is looking for a thorough and committed individual to take up the role of Senior Production Manager, reporting to the Group Agri Manager. The successful incumbent will be an innovative, pro-active and results orientated individual that will establish and build an excellent team that drives business profitability and will be ultimately responsible to achieve targeted broiler output volumes to acceptable quality and at the agreed cost.

The ideal candidate will be in possession of a tertiary qualification in Agriculture or a related field, coupled with 5 years of broiler farming experience. Alternatively, overall 8 years broiler farming experience. Significant experience at a senior level, managing and directing a large scale broiler farming operation is a requirement.

Results Required
The successful candidate must be able to achieve the following results:
• Lead an engaged and motivated workforce, who know what is expected of them;
• Understand and analyze monthly costing, provide input to maximize margins ;
• Achieve a carcass product quality rating > 95%;
• Establish and drive a continuous improvement system that can drive BRC compliance as well as documented farming SOP’s.
• Ensure that all farm-related activities and requirements (supply chain) are considered and communicated to derive an optimal supply chain. Ensure changes to the plan are effectively communicated;
• Achieve Cost of Sales and production targets;
• Ensure Broiler trials and relevant records are conducted to the prescribed protocol;
• Comply with Acts related to the Production and Handling of Livestock, which includes(Agricultural Products Standards Act, Animal Welfare Act, Animal Diseases Act etc.);
• Maintain facilities within budget to required standards for sustainable business.

Critical Competencies and Skills
• Attentive to detail with a systematic, methodical approach;
• Ability to build relationships under tough conditions;
• Excellent planning skills in a dynamic environment;
• Ability to train and develop reports and transfer knowledge to them;
• Ability to apply a methodical approach to establish standards;
• Assertive but approachable.

As Sovereign Foods is an equal opportunity employer, preference will be given applicants of designated groups, as defined by the Employment Equity Act.