Live Production Manager

Job Title: Production Manager

Department: Live Production

Location: Ovation Farms Thompson, IA

Reports To: Sr. Live Production Manager / Business Unit Leader

Job Type: Full Time

Job Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all layer production operations at a designated site. This role ensures efficient, safe, and high-quality egg production while maintaining compliance with animal welfare, biosecurity, and environmental standards. The Production Manager will lead teams, optimize production processes, and collaborate with various departments to ensure operational success and continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and develop production managers, leaders, and supervisors.
• Oversee daily flock management, ensuring proper feeding, water availability, ventilation, and bird welfare.
• Maintain cleanliness and biosecurity in layer houses, including mortality disposal and pest control programs.
• Coordinate facility maintenance and equipment repairs.
• Ensure timely feed delivery and proper feed formulation in collaboration with the feed mill team.
• Monitor bird health, vaccination programs, and required testing with veterinarians and compliance teams.
• Maintain accurate production records and scheduling.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget with cost-control measures.
• Oversee preventative maintenance programs to minimize equipment downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, FSMA, and other relevant regulations.
• Manage litter handling and disposal per company policies and regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of poultry husbandry, animal welfare regulations, and biosecurity protocols.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and production management software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Ability to work in various climate conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Business Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-7 years of leadership experience in live production operations, including feed mill, breeder, or broiler production.
• Previous experience in large-scale animal agriculture.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Previous poultry industry experience.
• Experience in lean manufacturing or process improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

• Primarily operates in a farm/production setting.
• Exposure to outdoor elements, livestock, and production equipment.
• Requires standing, walking, and lifting for extended periods.
• Availability for on-call duties and emergency situations.

About Us:

Versova is one of the largest egg producers in the United States, bringing together family-owned farms in Iowa, Ohio, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. With over six decades of industry experience, our team of more than 2,000 employees is dedicated to exceptional flock care, environmental stewardship, and producing safe, high-quality eggs. More than just a workplace, Versova is a team built on shared values, working together to enrich our communities and uphold the highest ethical standards.

As a family of companies and a company of families, we are guided by a strong set of Core Values: Recognition, Initiative, Safety & Security, Service, Community, Respect, Integrity, Ownership, and Excellence. These values drive our commitment to responsible employment, sustainability, and industry innovation. When you join Versova, you become part of something bigger - working together to lead the future of egg production with integrity and excellence.

Benefits:

• Regular performance reviews
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• HSA with company match
• Paid time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401K with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Disclosure

This job description is not exhaustive, as employees may perform additional related duties as needed. Employment is based on an 'at-will' basis.