Farm Manager

Location: Gortnagarn Farm (New Site)
Department: Agriculture NI / Breeders
Reporting to: Area Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a committed and capable Farm Manager to take full responsibility for the management of our new Company Breeder Farm at Gortnagarn.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in establishing a brand-new farm, setting high standards from the outset across welfare, performance, compliance and team culture. You will oversee all aspects of poultry husbandry and farm operations, ensuring eggs are produced to the required specifications while managing budgets, people and site performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the start-up and day-to-day management of the breeder farm, embedding best practice from day one
• Ensure production meets specifications for weight, quality, welfare, health & safety and environmental standards
• Manage flock performance, hatchability and livability in line with company stock management programmes
• Monitor flock health using recognised procedures, identifying and escalating issues promptly
• Work to agreed financial and physical budgets, controlling costs as the farm becomes fully operational
• Manage feed stocks, ordering and quality control
• Take responsibility for all farm equipment, coordinating maintenance and contractor activity
• Establish and maintain exceptional standards of housekeeping, hygiene and biosecurity across the new site
• Recruit, train and develop farm staff as the site grows (and Assistant Farm Managers where applicable)
• Build a motivated, capable team aligned to company standards and values
• Manage staffing levels, rotas and holiday planning to support consistent performance
• Embed company policies on hygiene, welfare, egg handling and sanitisation
• Maintain high Health & Safety standards for all employees, visitors and contractors
• Ensure site security and provide or arrange 24/7 alarm call cover for emergencies
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, performance and sustainability
• Reduce environmental impact through waste reduction, recycling and best practice
• Share ideas and improvements with the Field Management team

Key Measures of Success

• Successful establishment and stabilisation of the new farm
• Achievement of production, welfare and quality targets
• Strong compliance from day one
• Effective cost control and budget management
• Engagement, capability and retention of farm staff

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Previous involvement in an agricultural or poultry environment
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving capability
• Willingness to undertake NVQ Level 3 and relevant training
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Flexibility to be contactable outside normal working hours (excluding holidays)

Desirable

• Budget management experience
• People management and leadership experience
• Previous supervisory or farm leadership experience

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of the launch and development of a brand-new farm, where your experience and leadership will directly shape how the site operates.

We offer:

• A permanent, secure role within a leading food business
• Competitive pay and benefits
• The chance to build, influence and lead from the start
• Ongoing training and development, including formal qualifications
• Clear progression opportunities within agriculture and farm management
• A strong, values-led culture focused on ownership, discipline and practical excellence

Ready to Apply?

If you take pride in high welfare standards, enjoy building teams and want the challenge of establishing and leading a new farm operation, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and play a key role in shaping the success of our new Gortnagarn Farm.

The company

Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.

Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.

Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.

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