Hatchery Manager Jobs in Springdale, AR (NOW HIRING)

Supply & Production Planner

Internally known as: Flock Planner

The Role

Think of this role as supply chain planning for a living product: hens instead of pallets. The Supply & Production Planner — our flock planner — forecasts hen requirements and coordinates flock placements so barns stay optimally stocked, balancing near-term needs with long-range capacity and production goals.

Live production keeps its own schedule, so timelines move. We are looking for someone steady under change. Relationship-building is a big part of the job too: expect regular phone conversations with farmers, vendors, and outside partners, so a warm, personable style matters as much as sharp planning instincts.

What You Will Do:

• Flock planning & forecasting: Develop and maintain detailed plans for when new flocks will be needed, considering barn capacity, grower availability, production cycles, and company sales forecasts.
• Capacity management: Monitor barn utilization and align flock schedules to optimize space, production output, and hen welfare.
• Data analysis: Use Excel and planning tools to model flock demand, placement timelines, and potential bottlenecks. Adjust plans proactively as production needs or grower availability shift.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with Live Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Farm Managers so flock planning reflects both operational realities and market demand.
• Scenario planning: Build alternative placement scenarios around potential risks — disease, barn downtime, supply chain disruption.
• Systems & tools: Use Unitas or similar planning software to integrate schedules, track data, and streamline forecasting.
• Project coordination: Lead planning projects such as expansions, barn onboarding, and transitions between production cycles.
• Reporting: Give leadership regular updates on flock capacity, future placement needs, and risks to supply continuity.

Procurement & Partnerships

• Lead the procurement process for securing bird placements, aligned with company production goals and grower capacity.
• Build and keep strong vendor, grower, and hatchery relationships that secure favorable terms and consistent supply.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with growers and suppliers, balancing cost-efficiency with long-term partnership value.
• Evaluate proposals, pricing structures, and supply availability to recommend the best sourcing strategy.
• Partner with operations, finance, and recruitment to forecast demand and match bird procurement to barn availability.
• Watch market trends, availability, and supply chain risk to get ahead of shortages or cost escalations.
• Keep every procurement activity in line with company policy, industry regulation, and our animal welfare standards.

What We Are Looking For:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Logistics, Agribusiness, or a related field preferred, but not required.
• Experience: 3–5 years in poultry, livestock, or production planning. Flock or livestock forecasting experience is a real plus, not a must.
• Excel: Advanced data modeling, pivot tables, and forecasting.
• Tools: Familiarity with Unitas or a similar planning and scheduling system is a plus.
• People: Warm, friendly phone presence and easy rapport with farmers, vendors, and outside partners — a regular part of the role.
• Adaptability: Comfortable with frequent change; able to reset plans and priorities on short notice without losing momentum.
• Analysis: Strong problem-solving and project management skills, with real attention to detail.

What Happy Egg Offers You:

A world-class benefits package:

• Starting at 3 weeks PTO
• 9 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching
• Health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Eligibility for the company's annual bonus and long-term incentive program

Equal opportunity

We are dedicated to offering equal employment opportunities and advancement prospects for all individuals. Employment decisions at Happy Egg are based solely on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Our policy ensures fairness in all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignments, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. Happy Egg does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic. Pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check are required for all roles after an offer has been extended.

Thanks for choosing happy.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Logistics, Agribusiness, or a related field preferred but not required

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in poultry, livestock, or production planning; experience in flock or livestock forecasting highly desirable but not required

Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Excel (data modeling, pivot tables, forecasting).
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Unitas or similar planning/scheduling tools a plus.
• Excellent communication and ability to work with growers and cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable working with frequent change; able to adjust plans and priorities on short notice without losing momentum.
• Warm, friendly phone presence; comfortable building rapport with farmers, vendors, and external partners as a regular part of the role. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.