Job Title: Hatchery Manager
Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Work Type: Full Time
Level: Operations
Industry: Food Services
Job Description
The Hatchery Manager oversees and manages all aspects of hatchery operations within a poultry hatchery, ensuring optimal hatchability, chick quality, and compliance with biosecurity, animal welfare, and industry standards. This role involves developing policies and procedures aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements to maintain high standards of efficiency, safety, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
Hatchery Operations Management
Create reports tracking progress to monitor and evaluate quality management system performance.
Monitor and optimize environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, ventilation) in hatchers to ensure high hatchability and chick quality.
Oversee the transfer of eggs from receiving and storage to setters and hatchers, ensuring proper handling and timing.
Manage the hatching process, including chick pulling, sorting, and processing.
Ensure equipment, including hatchers and ventilation systems, is well-maintained and functioning efficiently.
Implement, maintain, and improve ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 systems to comply with international standards.
Staff Management and Training
Supervise and train hatchery staff on proper handling techniques, biosecurity, and safety protocols.
Schedule and manage employee workloads to ensure efficient operations during peak and off-peak periods.
Conduct regular team meetings to discuss performance, improvements, and challenges.
Quality Assurance
Establish, implement, maintain, and update the Corporate Integrated Management System (IMS) covering Quality, Food Safety, Biosecurity, Safety, Environment, Social Accountability, and Laboratories.
Conduct regular inspections to ensure chick quality, including weight, vitality, and uniformity.
Implement and monitor Good Hatchery Practices (GHP) to reduce mortality rates and improve overall output.
Maintain detailed records of hatchability, fertility, and chick performance for analysis and reporting.
Biosecurity and Compliance
Enforce strict biosecurity measures to prevent contamination and disease outbreaks.
Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and industry standards, including animal welfare guidelines.
Prepare for and manage external audits and certifications such as ISO, HACCP, and local poultry industry standards.
Oversee routine maintenance schedules for hatchery equipment and facilities.
Develop and implement contingency plans for power outages, equipment failure, or disease outbreaks.
Data Analysis and Reporting
Analyze hatchery performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Prepare reports for senior management detailing hatch rates, chick quality, and operational efficiency.
Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuous improvement.
Inventory and Supply Management
Manage inventory of hatching eggs, chick processing supplies, and other materials to prevent shortages.
Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of quality inputs.
Qualifications and Skills
Education
Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
Advanced certifications in hatchery management or quality systems are a plus.
Experience
Minimum of 10 years of experience in hatchery operations, including leadership roles.
Skills
Strong understanding of hatchery equipment and operations.
Knowledge of biosecurity, animal welfare, and regulatory requirements.
Leadership and team management abilities.
Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
Performance Metrics
Hatchability rates and chick quality scores.
Compliance with biosecurity and regulatory standards.
Equipment uptime and efficiency.
Employee productivity and adherence to safety protocols.
Timeliness and accuracy of reporting.