Production Planning Manager (Poultry)
About Specialised Breeders Australia
Specialised Breeders Australia (SBA) is Australia’s leading layer breeder, recognised for excellence in genetics, animal welfare, biosecurity, and customer service. As part of our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth, we are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Production Planning Manager to lead our national planning function.
This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring long-term production success through accurate forecasting, effective resource planning, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Production Planning Manager will oversee the planning and coordination of livestock production, hatchery operations, import programs, and export sales. The role is instrumental in aligning production capacity with business objectives while ensuring the highest standards of quality, animal welfare, and biosecurity are maintained.
The successful candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders across Livestock, Hatchery, Sales, Finance, and Executive Management, while also engaging with global planning teams within the EW Group network.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Forecasting
- Manage replacement planning for all Great Grand Parent (GGP), Grand Parent (GP), and Parent Stock (PS) flocks.
- Coordinate import schedules, egg forecasting, and export sales planning.
- Develop and oversee medium and long-term flock placement and production programs.
- Create and maintain performance models to evaluate flock placement and production scenarios.
- Produce accurate production forecasts and monthly forward feed plans.
Operational Performance
- Monitor production schedules and identify potential risks, constraints, or deviations.
- Ensure effective utilisation and optimisation of resources across Livestock, Hatchery, Sales, and Finance functions.
- Provide analytical insights and recommendations to support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and performance.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, quality assurance systems, HACCP requirements, animal welfare standards, and biosecurity protocols.
- Support organisational risk management processes and business continuity planning.
- Oversee divisional budgets and contribute to financial planning activities.
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Planning Team, including the Customer & Planning Coordinator and Planning & Exports Coordinator.
- Foster strong collaboration across departments and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders.
- Engage with and support global planning teams within the EW Group.
About You
You are a highly analytical and commercially aware planning professional with extensive livestock production experience and a proven ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Minimum five years’ experience in livestock and hatchery management.
- Strong understanding of agricultural production systems, breeding programs, and planning cycles.
- Demonstrated experience in forecasting, production planning, and operational analysis.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Advanced computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and database systems.
- Ability to work autonomously while providing expert advice within established policy and governance frameworks.
Qualifications
- Tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Animal Science, Livestock Production, Agribusiness, or a related discipline.
Personal Attributes
- Analytical, proactive, and solutions-focused.
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership.
- Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to developing others.
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships across diverse teams.
- Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare, biosecurity, workplace safety, and continuous improvement.
Why Join SBA?
At SBA, you will become part of a highly respected organisation with a longstanding reputation for quality, innovation, and industry leadership. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior executives, influence key operational outcomes, and contribute directly to the long-term success of Australia’s leading layer breeding business.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced livestock planning professional with strong analytical capability, commercial insight, and a passion for operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.
- Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role.uite.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
