Flock Planner in Rogers, Arkansas at The Happy Group Inc

Flock Planner

Job Summary:
The Flock Planner is responsible for developing and coordinating forward-looking flock placement plans to ensure barns are optimally stocked to meet production and business needs. This role requires balancing short- and long-term capacity, forecasting hen requirements, and aligning supply with operational schedules. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly analytical, and experienced in project planning, data modeling, and cross-functional coordination within poultry or agricultural operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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 animal welfare.
• Data Analysis: Use Excel and planning tools to model flock demand, placement timelines, and potential bottlenecks. Adjust plans proactively to address changes in production needs or grower availability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Live Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Farm Managers to ensure flock planning aligns with both operational realities and market demand.
• Scenario Planning: Create alternative flock placement scenarios based on potential risks (e.g., disease, barn downtime, supply chain disruptions).
• Systems & Tools: Utilize Unitas or similar planning/logistics software to integrate schedules, track data, and streamline forecasting processes.
• Project Coordination: Lead planning-related projects, such as expansions, barn onboarding, or transitions between production cycles.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates to leadership on flock capacity, future placement needs, and risks to supply continuity.

Procurement & Negotiations

• Lead the procurement process for securing bird placements, ensuring alignment with company production goals and grower capacity.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor, grower, and hatchery relationships to 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 optimal sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams (operations, finance, recruitment) to forecast demand and align bird procurement with barn availability and capacity.
• Monitor market trends, availability, and supply chain risks to anticipate and proactively address potential shortages or cost escalations.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and animal welfare standards.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science, Agribusiness, Supply Chain, Logistics, or 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.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.

What Happy Egg Offers to You:
Happy Egg offers a world-class benefits package, which includes 5 weeks Paid Time Off, 9 paid holidays, 401(k) matching, health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance.
This role is also eligible to participate in the company’s annual bonus and long-term incentive program.

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 is required for all roles after offer has been extended.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science, Agribusiness, Supply Chain, Logistics, or 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.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.