Sow Farm Manager at Passel Farms – Leland, Iowa

JOB TITLE: Sow Farm Manager

REPORTS TO: Production Supervisor

WORK LOCATION: Leland, Iowa

Position Summary: The Sow Farm Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, production performance, financial results, animal welfare, biosecurity integrity, safety compliance, and employee development of an assigned sow production unit. This role ensures maximized productivity and profitability through effective management of animals, facilities, vendors, and team members while maintaining strict adherence to company protocols, regulatory standards, and audit requirements.

Objectives:

• Achieve and exceed established production targets (farrowing rate, pigs weaned per sow per year, mortality, feed efficiency, etc.).
• Always maintain strict biosecurity and animal welfare compliance.
• Operate within established budgets and financial performance expectations.
• Develop and retain a high-performing, accountable farm team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage all daily sow production activities including breeding, gestation, farrowing, and iso-wean processes.
• Ensure adherence to herd health protocols including vaccinations, treatments, blood testing, and culling procedures.
• Monitor and maintain proper ventilation, feeding systems, watering systems, and environmental controls.
• Ensure accurate and timely production data entry and recordkeeping (feed usage, culls, inventories, etc.).
• Maintain pig flow, stocking density, and facility cleanliness.
• Oversee mortality management and waste handling in accordance with environmental standards.
• Manage and control site financial performance including cost containment, purchasing, and budget adherence.
• Oversee maintenance of facilities, equipment, vehicles, feed systems, bins, alarms, and utilities.
• Coordinate and supervise on-site vendors (manure removal, repairs, mowing, service providers).
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop farm staff in partnership with HR and leadership.
• Manage scheduling, attendance, performance reviews, corrective action, and documentation.
• Lead team meetings and provide clear daily and weekly work direction.
• Maintain a culture of dignity, respect, accountability, and professional communication.
• Ensure a safe working environment including proper PPE usage, safety training, hazard communication, and compliance with company policies.
• Maintain audit readiness for biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare standards.
• Communicate regularly and proactively with the Production Supervisor regarding performance, risks, and operational needs.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to hold self and others accountable to performance standards.
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work calmly and respectfully with live animals and diverse personalities.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Financial awareness and cost-control mindset.
• Proficiency in basic math and computer systems.
• High attention to cleanliness, detail, and compliance standards.

Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of livestock production experience preferred.
• Prior supervisory or management experience is strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.

Competencies:

• Accountability – Holds self and team accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Sets priorities, delegates effectively, and accepts responsibility for outcomes.
• Manage Yourself – Demonstrates initiative, professionalism, and sound judgment. Focuses on solutions and maintains composure in high-pressure situations.
• Leadership – Coaches and develops team members to achieve performance excellence. Promotes continuous improvement and models company values.
• Team Player – Works cooperatively with others, demonstrates flexibility, and supports overall company success. Treats all individuals with dignity and respect and maintains a no-retaliation work environment.

Working Conditions: Work is performed almost exclusively in a hog confinement in rural areas. Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours and alternate weekends. Hours average 48 hours per week. There will be some variation in work hours due to animal care and health, weather, employee shift schedules, special projects, and other concerns. Noise levels that require hearing protection in some areas.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Frequent lifting of objects weighing 3-50 pounds
• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, stooping, and kneeling.
• Frequent use of one or both hands/arms to grasp, push, and/or pull.
• Standing, walking and ability to be on feet while on concrete 8 to 10 hours per day.
• Ability to climb ladder approximately feet 15-25 feet in elevation.
• Occasional bending while lifting/pulling 50 pounds to 100 pounds of force to move an object with or without the assistance of another person.
• Must be able to print and/or write legibly.

Acknowledgement: This job description describes the general nature and level of the work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties or responsibilities assigned to this job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the Manager or a member of the Management Team. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.