Production Leader

Job Title: Production Leader

Department: Live Production

Location: Trillium Farms- Johnstown, Ohio

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

Job Type: Full Time

Job Summary

The Production Lead is responsible for the management and direction of partial production operations at a designated site with the support of the BUL, Production Manager, and Sr. Live Production Manager. The purpose of this role is to plan, direct, and oversee production business concerns, including safety, animal husbandry, personnel management. This person will provide management oversight of day-to-day operations and long-term production work and activities.  Oversee areas of animal husbandry, flock management, bird scheduling, and movement. Work with specialty leaders and teams on activities, projects, and issues that address Production personnel, financial, processing, feed management, and other Production matters to ensure strategic and tactical priorities are successfully addressed.  The Production Lead will also ensure proper execution of all Production SOPs.

Essential Job Functions

• Leadership and Team Management: • Provide leadership, direction, and development to hourly employees • Motivate team members to meet corporate and production goals • Responsible for employee training, documentation, coaching, and counseling • Promote a culture of safety and compliance
• Bird Care and Facility Management: • Oversee daily feeding schedule, water availability, and ventilation • Ensure proper care and health of birds • Coordinate with veterinarian and nutritionist for bird health issues • Maintain cleanliness of layer houses (interior and exterior) • Manage mortality extraction and disposal • Implement and maintain rodent, fly, and pest control programs
• Production and Quality Control: • Work with production staff to ensure product quality • Minimize egg checks before processing • Achieve production results as per bird strain guidelines and company goals • Coordinate with feed mill for timely delivery and proper formulation
• Maintenance and Equipment: • Coordinate maintenance and repairs of layer facilities and equipment • Oversee troubleshooting, diagnosis, installation, and maintenance of equipment • Manage parts inventory and ensure equipment safety
• Compliance and Regulations: • Maintain compliance with FDA, EPA, USDA, FSMA regulations • Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and SQF Program • Follow SE Prevention, Animal Welfare, and Bio-Security Programs • Handle litter in accordance with company policy and regulations
• Financial Responsibility: • Develop yearly budget • Implement effective systems for controlling operating expenditures
• Communication and Reporting: • Alert management of any issues (BUL, SLPM, GM, Compliance, Corporate Veterinarian, COO) • Ensure availability during off-hours for emergencies • Support SLPM/LPM in maintaining required records and scheduling
• Additional Duties: • Coordinate bird placement with pullet facility • Schedule production staff and needs based on demand/forecast • Other 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.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent

• At least 1 year of experience as a lead/supervisor or manager position.

• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work in various climate conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural or a related field

• Previous poultry or in large-scale animal agriculture industry experience.
• Previous experience in Live Haul operations • Feed Haul and Feed Mill management • Breeder and Broiler production • Hatchery operations
• Experience in lean manufacturing or process improvement initiatives.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a farm/production setting, involving regular exposure to outdoor elements, livestock, and various types of production equipment. The role demands physical stamina, requiring extended periods of standing, walking on uneven surfaces, and frequent lifting. Comfort around animals and familiarity with agricultural machinery is essential. The work environment includes exposure to typical farm conditions such as dust, odors, and noise. Flexibility is crucial, as the position may require availability for on-call duties and emergency situations outside standard hours. Adherence to safety protocols and biosecurity measures is paramount. This dynamic setting requires adaptability, resilience, and the ability to work effectively in both independent and team-oriented 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. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, as applicable to the role and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.