Commercial Layer Department Manager - Papua New Guinea

SUMMARY:
Role Purpose:
The Commercial Layer Department Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the company’s commercial layer operations, including both rearing and production farms.
This role ensures optimal bird health, welfare, productivity, and farm profitability while maintaining high standards in biosecurity, compliance, staff performance, and operational efficiency. The incumbent will drive the execution of business objectives through effective on-farm management and continuous improvement across the layer portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of rearing and layer production farms across multiple sites.
• Ensure achievement of production KPIs including livability, egg production, feed conversion, egg quality, and hen performance.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all farms.
• Monitor and analyse farm performance data and implement corrective actions where required.
• Coordinate bird placements, flock depletions, feed planning, and production schedules with relevant teams.
• Ensure farm infrastructure and equipment are maintained and operating effectively.

• Monitor and manage brooding, rearing, and production performance.
• Ensure targets for body weight, uniformity, mortality, and egg production are achieved.
• Maintain optimal flock conditions to maximise output and efficiency.

• Uphold high animal welfare standards in line with company and regulatory requirements.
• Implement and enforce strict biosecurity protocols across all sites.
• Coordinate vaccination programmes and ensure adherence to schedules.
• Work closely with veterinary teams to monitor flock health and prevent disease outbreaks.

• Lead, mentor, and develop Farm Managers and operational teams.
• Conduct regular site visits and performance reviews.
• Implement training programmes focused on poultry husbandry, biosecurity, and operational excellence.
• Manage staff performance, discipline, and development to ensure high productivity and engagement.

• Prepare and manage operational budgets including feed, labour, medication, and maintenance.
• Monitor and control costs to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Analyse cost per unit and implement cost-saving initiatives where possible.

• Provide regular reports on production performance, flock health, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure all farms comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and safety policies.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented timeously.

• Liaise with hatchery, feed, logistics, maintenance, and processing teams to ensure alignment.
• Coordinate flock placements and egg delivery schedules to meet business requirements.
• Work with engineering and maintenance teams on infrastructure improvements and issue resolution.

• Flock performance (body weight, uniformity, mortality, egg production).
• Biosecurity compliance and disease prevention.
• Cost efficiency and budget adherence.
• Staff performance, retention, and training completion.
• Timely and accurate reporting.
• Compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements:
Qualifications

• Degree in Animal Husbandry or Veterinary Science.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in commercial layer management (large-scale operations).
• Experience managing high-volume farms (500,000+ hens).
• Experience working with cage systems.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Strategic thinking and planning ability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management ability.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and results-driven approach.
• Computer literacy and ability to analyse operational data.

• Ability to work in a farm-based environment.
• Willingness to travel between sites.
• Ability to work extended hours when required.