02/08/2026
ob Description
Position Title
Technical Poultry Production and Hatchery Manager
Location
Kalahari Chickens Farm, Wilsgrove, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Reports To
Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
Position Type
Full-Time
______________
Job Purpose
Kalahari Chickens seeks an experienced and results-oriented Technical Poultry Production and Hatchery Manager to provide overall technical leadership and operational oversight of all poultry production activities. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining high-performing breeding stock, implementing strict biosecurity measures, managing hatchery operations, preventing and controlling diseases, supervising staff, driving sales and marketing efforts, managing inventory and stock records, and providing after-sales technical support to customers.
The position is critical to ensuring high productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth of the business.
______________
Key Responsibilities
1. Breeding Stock Management
• Develop and implement breeding programmes for Black Australorp, Koekoe, Sasso Rainbow, Boschveld and other poultry breeds.
• Maintain optimal breeder flock performance and productivity.
• Monitor fertility, hatchability, egg production, and flock health indicators.
• Manage breeder selection, culling, replacement, and genetic improvement programmes.
• Ensure accurate breeder performance records are maintained.
______________
2. Biosecurity and Disease Prevention
• Develop and enforce farm biosecurity protocols.
• Implement vaccination schedules and disease surveillance systems.
• Monitor flock health and rapidly respond to disease outbreaks.
• Liaise with veterinarians and poultry specialists where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with animal health and welfare standards.
• Train staff on hygiene, disease prevention, and biosecurity procedures.
______________
3. Hatchery Operations Management
• Manage all hatchery operations and incubation processes.
• Monitor hatchability rates and implement corrective actions when required.
• Ensure proper handling, grading, fumigation, setting, candling, and hatching procedures.
• Maintain hatchery equipment including incubators and hatchers.
• Monitor chick quality and minimize chick mortality.
• Develop weekly and monthly hatchery production plans.
______________
4. Poultry Production Management
• Oversee brooding, rearing, grower, breeder, and layer operations.
• Ensure appropriate feeding and nutrition programmes.
• Monitor growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, mortality, and productivity.
• Implement best poultry management practices.
• Maintain production records and performance reports.
______________
5. Stock and Inventory Management
• Maintain accurate records of:
o Breeding stock
o Chicks
o Pullets
o Layers
o Eggs
o Feed
o Vaccines
o Medicines
o Equipment
• Conduct regular inventory counts and reconciliations.
• Monitor stock movements and losses.
• Ensure adequate stock levels are maintained.
______________
6. Sales and Marketing Support
• Participate in development and implementation of marketing strategies.
• Support promotion of:
o Fertile eggs
o Table eggs
o Day-old chicks
o Growers
o Pullets
o Live birds
o Dressed chickens
• Assist in identifying new market opportunities.
• Support customer acquisition and retention initiatives.
• Represent Kalahari Chickens at exhibitions, field days, and agricultural events.
______________
7. Customer Service and After-Sales Support
• Provide technical support to customers purchasing chicks, pullets, breeders, and eggs.
• Conduct customer follow-up visits where necessary.
• Provide guidance on poultry management and husbandry practices.
• Resolve customer complaints promptly and professionally.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
______________
8. Staff Management and Capacity Building
• Supervise poultry attendants, hatchery staff, and support personnel.
• Prepare staff work schedules and duty allocations.
• Conduct performance reviews and coaching.
• Identify training needs and facilitate staff development.
• Promote teamwork and a positive working environment.
______________
9. Financial and Operational Management
• Develop production budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor operational costs and identify efficiency improvements.
• Support preparation of monthly and annual business performance reports.
• Ensure efficient utilization of farm resources.
______________
10. Reporting
Prepare and submit:
• Daily production reports
• Weekly farm performance reports
• Monthly hatchery reports
• Monthly sales reports
• Disease surveillance reports
• Inventory reports
• Annual production plans and forecasts
______________
Minimum Qualifications
• Degree in Animal Science, Poultry Science, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Management, or related field.
• Professional poultry production certification is an added advantage.
______________
Experience Requirements
• Minimum 5 years' experience in poultry production management.
• Proven experience managing breeder flocks and hatchery operations.
• Experience in indigenous and dual-purpose poultry breeds preferred.
• Strong understanding of poultry health and biosecurity systems.
• Experience in inventory and stock management.
______________
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
• Poultry breeding management
• Hatchery management
• Vaccination programmes
• Disease prevention and control
• Poultry nutrition
• Record keeping and data management
• Inventory management
Management Skills
• Leadership and staff supervision
• Planning and budgeting
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Customer relationship management
• Sales and marketing support
Personal Attributes
• High integrity and accountability
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Results-oriented
• Ability to work under pressure
Contract Duration: Renewable based on performance and business needs.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit:
• Application Letter
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of Academic and Professional Qualifications
• Contact Details of Three Professional Referees
Send applications to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Application for Technical Poultry Production and Hatchery Manager Position
Closing Date: 20 August 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
