Job Description:
Metzer Farms is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to manage all aspects of their high-capacity hatchery located in Cordova, TN. As the highest-ranking member of this facility, you will take the lead in all aspects of day-to-day operations, preventative maintenance and performance tracking.
About Us:
Metzel Farms is a family-owned leader in shipping day-old poultry to anyone from backyard farmers to large-scale operations. Their Cordova Hatchery specializes in waterfowl, hatching 32 breeds of ducks and 13 breeds of geese.
What We Offer:
Competitive salary plus health coverage for selected individuals and their dependents. Bonus opportunity based on year-end financials. Professional development opportunities are available contingent upon funding and approval.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Following is an overview of key responsibilities the Director of Operations is expected to fulfill (including estimated percentage of time generally spent on each function):
Operations Oversight (45%)
Administration - Develop and Implement Metzer Farms Hatchery “Playbook”
Tennessee Hatchery Management (50%)
EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing operations or running a business, preferably in a production, manufacturing, logistics, or agricultural environment. Key qualifications include:
Metzer Farms is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to manage all aspects of their high-capacity hatchery located in Cordova, TN. As the highest-ranking member of this facility, you will take the lead in all aspects of day-to-day operations, preventative maintenance and performance tracking.
About Us:
Metzel Farms is a family-owned leader in shipping day-old poultry to anyone from backyard farmers to large-scale operations. Their Cordova Hatchery specializes in waterfowl, hatching 32 breeds of ducks and 13 breeds of geese.
What We Offer:
Competitive salary plus health coverage for selected individuals and their dependents. Bonus opportunity based on year-end financials. Professional development opportunities are available contingent upon funding and approval.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Following is an overview of key responsibilities the Director of Operations is expected to fulfill (including estimated percentage of time generally spent on each function):
Operations Oversight (45%)
Administration - Develop and Implement Metzer Farms Hatchery “Playbook”
- Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
- Biosecurity, safety, quality, and animal welfare procedures and standards
- Standard Operating Procedures for hatchery operations
- Daily/weekly/monthly maintenance program
- Annual budgets
- Oversee employee onboarding, training, and recognition of excellent performance
- Review KPI’s, identify and solve poor performance
- Champion the use of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) across the team
- Guide the implementation of clear processes, standards, and expectations
- Help create, test, and market new products
- Communicate to current or potential customers as needed
- Envision and encourage the creation of better processes
- Coordinate eggs set and shipping between hatcheries
- Safety & Compliance
Tennessee Hatchery Management (50%)
- Plan and organize day-to-day operations of the hatchery
- Implement policies for high hatchability and cost control
- Hire, train, discipline, and promote employees
- Monitor and eliminate salmonella
- Coordinate deliveries of poultry to USPS/FedEx
- Ensure accurate records of eggs set, candled, transferred, and birds hatched
- Oversee all hatchery purchasing such as chicks, eggs, and supplies
- Maximize shipped birds and orders
- Reduce shipping mistakes and ensure only high-quality birds shipped
- Audit and verify procedures are followed and maintenance is performed
- Fully utilize EOS
- Support local community
- Represent Metzer Farms at industry trainings, meetings, and trade shows
- Performs other duties as needed in alignment with fulfilling primary purpose and core functions of position.
EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing operations or running a business, preferably in a production, manufacturing, logistics, or agricultural environment. Key qualifications include:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in operations, general management, or business leadership roles with responsibility for team performance, cost control, and process efficiency
- Demonstrated success in leading teams, developing systems, and achieving measurable performance outcomes
- Strong understanding of budgeting, KPIs, quality control, and process improvement
- Experience working in fast-paced, hands-on environments with accountability for daily operations
- Excellent communication and organizational skills