My job
Purpose of the Role
To provide comprehensive
relief cover for Farm Managers and Assistant Farm Managers across breeder, poultry laying, and rearing sites. This role ensures farms maintain consistent operational standards, high levels of bird welfare, and compliance with company policies and legislative requirements during periods of absence or increased workload.
The Relief Farm Manager will develop and maintain a
strong working knowledge of each farm, its layout, systems, and operational processes, enabling seamless continuation of duties and optimal performance across all sites.
Key Responsibilities
Farm Management & Operations
- Provide full operational cover for Farm/Assistant Managers as required across multiple breeder, laying, and rearing sites.
- Manage daily farm routines, including feeding, lighting, ventilation, egg collection, and flock checks.
- Maintain accurate records related to production, mortality, feed usage, vaccination, and welfare.
- Support the consistent achievement of production targets, flock performance, and eggs-per-bird KPIs.
Animal Welfare & Biosecurity
- Ensure bird welfare is always the highest priority, in line with company welfare policies and UK legislation.
- Uphold strict biosecurity controls to prevent disease introduction and spread.
- Conduct and document welfare checks, raising any concerns promptly.
- Promote a culture of continuous welfare improvement across all sites visited.
People & Communication
- Work collaboratively with site teams to maintain smooth farm operations.
- Provide guidance and support to farm staff during periods of manager absence.
- Communicate effectively with the wider management team to report performance, incidents, or required actions.
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure all tasks are completed in line with Red Tractor, DEFRA, and company compliance standards.
- Maintain farm hygiene, cleanliness, and safe working practices.
- Participate in audits and support corrective action plans where required.
Resource Management
- Monitor and report feed stocks, consumables, and equipment requirements.
- Ensure environment controls (ventilation, heating, lighting) are set correctly to optimise productivity.
Flexibility & Multi-Site Support
- Travel between farms as required to provide cover or additional operational support.
- Adapt quickly to different farm systems, layouts, and livestock requirements.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in poultry farming (breeders, layers, or rearing).
- Strong commitment to bird welfare and biosecurity.
- Ability to work independently across multiple sites.
- Good organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Flexibility to work across various farms and shift patterns (including weekends on a rota).
Desirable
- Formal agricultural or poultry qualifications.
- Supervisory or farm management experience.
- Knowledge of automated poultry equipment and environmental control systems.
Hours: 48 hours per week
Location: Various farm sites across Lincolnshire
Reports to: Farm Management Team
Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence
Welfare Focus: Bird welfare and biosecurity are paramount
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.
What we'll bring to the table
Competitive Salary
Competitive Holiday Entitlement
Pension Contribution
Family Friendly Policies
Learning and Development Opportunities
Life Assurance
People matter
Previous Next
Our values
Determination
Simplicity
Availability
Humility
Discipline
Sincerity
Ownership
