We are recruiting an experienced Farm Manager to take full operational responsibility for a retailer-facing poultry unit in Wiltshire. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with clear accountability for flock performance, welfare, compliance, and people management.
Key Responsibilities
Farm & Flock Performance
* Full day-to-day management of the poultry unit and flock lifecycle
* Deliver flock KPIs including mortality, growth, FCR, welfare outcomes, and bird quality
* Maintain exemplary stockmanship standards aligned to retailer expectations
Retailer & Assurance Compliance
* Ensure continuous compliance with Red Tractor, welfare legislation, and retailer-specific standards
* Maintain accurate and audit-ready records across bird health, medicines, biosecurity, and environmental controls
* Lead and host retailer, assurance, veterinary, and customer audits with confidence
People Leadership
* Lead, train, and develop farm staff and relief teams
* Set rotas, manage performance, and maintain a disciplined, welfare-led culture
* Embed a “right-first-time” mindset across health, safety, and compliance
Biosecurity, Health & Welfare
* Enforce strict biosecurity protocols at all times
* Work closely with vets, nutritionists, and technical managers to optimise flock outcomes
* Proactively identify and resolve health, welfare, or environmental risks
Facilities & Asset Management
* Oversee housing, equipment, and general site standards
* Ensure the unit is inspection-ready at all times
* Identify maintenance or capital requirements early and escalate appropriately
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
* Monitor performance data and report accurately and on time
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance welfare, efficiency, and cost control
* Contribute operational insight into wider business decision-making
About You
You’re practical, accountable, and commercially switched on. You understand that retailer compliance is non-negotiable—and that welfare and performance go hand in hand.
Essential
* Proven experience managing a poultry unit (broilers, breeders, or layers)
* Strong working knowledge of Red Tractor and retailer assurance standards
* Confident people manager with a hands-on, visible leadership style
* High attention to detail and pride in operational standards
* Flexible approach to working hours aligned to livestock needs
Desirable
* Agricultural, animal science, or poultry-related qualification
* Experience supplying into major UK retailers
* Comfortable using performance data to drive practical action
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary, dependent on experience
* On-site accommodation included
* Autonomy to run the unit to high standards
* Long-term stability within a professionally managed, forward-thinking agricultural business
Why This Role Works
This is a serious poultry role for someone who wants real responsibility, not box-ticking theatre. If you take pride in birds, people, and standards—and want the backing to do things properly—this role delivers