The pig unit manager is responsible for running a productive and sustainable unit.
Also known as agricultural manager / livestock manager / farmer.
This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.
Pig units are often equipped with cutting-edge technology, and the unit manager will be required to make regular data reports on performance to owners.
Working as a unit manager is both challenging and rewarding. You’ll need to make decisions to help develop your business while producing a high-quality, safe product.
As a unit manager, you’ll oversee the processes of serving (breeding), farrowing (birthing), weaning, and growing pigs. You’ll also have an overview of breeding strategies by using modern, high-quality genetics.
Unit managers, whether running indoor or outdoor operations, must act to protect the natural environment and make sure animals are looked after in the best way possible. They also make sure the unit remains profitable.
Units can range from small, family-owned farms to large, multi-site companies. The career progression routes and level of automation are quite different between indoor and outdoor pigs, with more technology and automation being present in the care of pigs reared indoors.
Many unit managers have progressed in their careers either by starting as a stockperson and building on-the-job skills and experience or by completing a relevant degree in agriculture.
As a manager, you’ll also mentor and manage staff, as well as managing business relationships with suppliers, contractors, and advisers to make sure the business runs smoothly and effectively.
Often, you’ll work closely with and plan alongside the farm owner or management consultants. You’ll also work with different advisers to ensure the farm works efficiently, productively, and to best practice.
You may need to have your own transport to get to work.
As a unit manager, your responsibilities might include:
To work as a unit manager in the pig sector, you should:
You could be appointed as a unit manager based on experience. However, a relevant qualification, such as an agriculture or farm business management degree, could increase your options.
This role would suit someone self-motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to making a difference to the industry.
As a pig unit manager, you will take responsibility for managing unit operations and staff for maximum productivity. You will:
The salary for a unit manager in the pig sector is in the region of £30,000 to £50,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, business type and location.
Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These can include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production/performance bonuses.
You could progress further by developing your skills and knowledge by managing various farm businesses. Or you could progress to the level of farm director or operations director. There are also opportunities to work as a unit manager on different farms.
You could also consider a position as a pig production consultant, providing technical support and advice to other unit managers.
If you want to develop your knowledge and skills in international agriculture, you could also explore overseas farm careers.
Qualifications and Training
Courses which can help you on this career path include:
Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Agriculture
Level 3 Business Studies
BSc in Agriculture with Farm Business Management
FdSc Agriculture and Farm Management
BSc Applied Farm Management
BSc Agriculture
BSc Agricultural and Livestock Science
BA Business Studies
Employers and recruiters who hire for this role include:
The employers and recruiters listed below hire for roles like this one. If you would like your business to be listed here, please click the button underneath the logos shown here.
https://cranswick.plc.uk/careers/vacancies
https://www.jsr.co.uk/careers/
https://pilgrimseurope.current-vacancies.com/Recruitment/Index
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
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