Director, Breeder Hatchery Operations (Finance)

Purpose of the Position

Leads and directs all breeder and hatchery operations.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Provides direction and leadership to all hatcheries and breeder farms to achieve the company's KPIs and objectives. Oversees all hatchery and breeder operations involved in the movement of live birds from a day old pullet to the hatcheries or breeder farms, to first processing plants in a timely manner. Applies best management practices and ensures hatcheries and farms follow all animal welfare and biosecurity guidelines.

Plans and forecasts business needs. Books and schedules pullet placement at least two years in advance. Develops production goals based on business projections and performance. Monitors the daily hatchery and contract farms production and develops schedules accordingly. Manages egg inventory including distribution and placement. Involved in the sales of surplus products. Analyzes internal performance reports and takes action accordingly.

Works closely with contract growers. Ensures contract growers are treated fairly by building strong working relationships and promoting compliance with the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) guidelines. Accountable for all State and Federal rules and regulations pertaining to contract growers and handling of live birds.

Designs and manages department's operational budgets. Reviews profit and loss statements in order to design budgets for the hatchery and breeder departments demonstrating commitment to cost reductions and efficiency. Reports weekly and monthly department's performance to the Sr Director, Live Operations. Approves the purchases of supplies. Responsible for hatchery standardization. Ensures operations are following the same processes and procedures; ensures changes are implemented simultaneously in all locations.

Works with cross functional teams to achieve company goals. Works closely with contract haulers and meets quarterly to review performance. Communicates with first processing plant managers to ensure they are receiving the correct amount of product weekly. Works closely with the Staff Nutritionist and Staff Veterinarian to produce high quality birds at the lowest possible cost. Participates in various projects. Participates in the development of new or revised procedures. Develops and presents "what if" models to the executive team. Manages projects from design to implementation as needed.

Accountable for department's compliance . Participates in annual animal welfare audits. Ensures safety training is conducted as needed. Accountable for all breeder contract farms operational compliance with all Local, State, and Federal rules and regulations as well as Simmons policies and procedures.

Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees' work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team . Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Presents information to small or large groups. Must be able to be on call 24/7 as needed. Move about in broiler/breeder houses and surrounding properties under extreme weather conditions as needed. Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions and dark environments as needed. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May travel via car to various work locations.

Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities. A company vehicle is assigned for this position. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to travel on a daily basis.

Technical Experience: Minimum 5 years management experience in hatchery or breeding environment or related field.

Industry Experience: Preference for live production, hatcheries, farming, or related fields.

Minimum Education : Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Poultry Science or related field, or 4 years related work experience.

Preferred Education: N/A