Location: Derrings Lane Turkey Farm, Tholthorpe, York, North Yorkshire, YO61 1SU
Salary: £34,173.12 per annum
Hours of Work: 48 hours per week, 6 days out of 7
Who are we, and what do we do?
You may not have heard of us, but there's a good chance you've enjoyed our products!
Avara Foods is one of the UK's leading food businesses, supplying high-quality chicken and turkey products to major supermarkets and popular restaurants across the country.
We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory and all the way to our customers' doors. This allows us to offer a variety of rewarding career opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, engineering, and business support functions.
With major processing sites across England and Wales and an agricultural network of over 350 farms, we're proud to play a vital role in feeding the nation.
About the Role
Are you passionate about agriculture and looking for your next challenge? Do you have experience working with livestock and enjoy working outdoors in a hands-on environment?
We are looking for a highly motivated and capable Assistant Farm Manager to join our team at Derrings Lane Turkey Farm, Tholthorpe, York.
Working closely with the Farm Manager, you will support the day-to-day operation of the farm, helping to maintain the highest standards of bird welfare, biosecurity, compliance, health and safety, and farm performance. This is a practical role that combines livestock management, people leadership, farm administration, and site maintenance responsibilities.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary of £34,173.12 per annum
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee benefits and discount platform
- Training and career development opportunities
- Opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications
- A secure and supportive working environment
- The opportunity to build a long-term career within one of the UK's leading food businesses
Hours of Work
- 48 hours per week
- 6 days out of 7
- Weekend working required
- Additional hours may be required to meet business needs
- Emergency alarm call-out responsibilities may apply
What will you be doing?
Bird Welfare & Farm Operations
- Support the Farm Manager in the day-to-day management of the turkey farm.
- Monitor bird health, welfare, behaviour and performance.
- Carry out regular flock inspections and report any concerns promptly.
- Ensure feed, water, temperature and ventilation systems are operating effectively.
- Maintain optimum environmental conditions to support bird welfare and performance.
- Assist with flock placement, thinning and depopulation activities where required.
- Support biosecurity measures and ensure they are followed by all employees and visitors.
- Respond to emergency alarms and farm incidents as required.
Environmental & Site Management
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and housekeeping across the site.
- Assist with farm turnaround activities, including cleaning and disinfection processes.
- Monitor equipment and report faults requiring maintenance.
- Support routine maintenance programmes and site improvement activities.
- Ensure all farm buildings, stores, offices and surrounding areas are maintained to company standards.
- Assist with stock management of feed, bedding, fuel, PPE and other farm consumables.
Compliance & Administration
- Maintain accurate farm records in line with company requirements and legislation.
- Complete production, welfare and environmental documentation accurately and on time.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, assurance schemes and legislative requirements.
- Support internal and external audits and assist with corrective actions where required.
- Assist in monitoring farm performance and operational efficiencies.
Team Support & Leadership
- Assist with the supervision and coordination of farm staff and contractors.
- Support the training and development of team members.
- Promote a positive working culture through leading by example.
- Ensure safe working practices are followed at all times.
- Cover Farm Manager responsibilities during periods of absence.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple farm sites when required.
Health & Safety
- Promote a safe working environment for employees, visitors and contractors.
- Ensure PPE requirements are adhered to.
- Report accidents, hazards and near misses promptly.
- Support the completion of farm risk assessments and safety checks.
- Maintain compliance with all health and safety procedures.
What We're Looking For
Experience & Qualifications
- Previous livestock farming experience is desirable.
- Poultry or turkey experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
- NVQ/Diploma Level 3 in Poultry Production or a relevant agricultural qualification is desirable.
- Full UK driving licence and own transport are essential.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong stockmanship skills.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Ability to build positive working relationships.
- Basic IT skills including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
Personal Attributes
- Reliable and dependable.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Hard-working and conscientious.
- Team-oriented with a positive attitude.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Committed to maintaining high welfare and biosecurity standards.
- Self-motivated and proactive.
Key Performance Measures
- Bird welfare and flock performance.
- Audit scores and compliance standards.
- Health, Safety and Environmental performance.
- Farm cleanliness and biosecurity compliance.
- Accuracy of farm records and reporting.
- Team performance and engagement.
- Operational efficiency and cost control.
- Adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Achievement of training and development objectives.
What happens next?
Once you've applied, a Resourcing Officer from our Hereford team will contact you to discuss your application and CV. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role.
If you're ready to join a supportive team and develop your career in agriculture, apply today!
🚫 Important: Due to bird welfare regulations, applicants must not keep avian pets, poultry, or pigs.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
#TheAvaraWay