Feedlot Manager

Feedlot Manager

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Feedlot Manager to take full responsibility for the performance, health, productivity, and operational efficiency of the feedlot.

This role requires a strong leader with veterinary knowledge and livestock management experience. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of feedlot operations, including animal health, nutrition, team management, compliance, financial performance, and operational planning.

The Feedlot Manager will be responsible for driving productivity, maintaining high animal welfare standards, and leading a team committed to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Health and Welfare

• Lead herd health management across the feedlot.

• Diagnose, treat, and monitor animal health conditions.

• Implement preventative health programmes.

• Ensure high standards of animal welfare are maintained.

• Monitor cattle condition, behaviour, and overall well-being.

• Ensure sick or injured animals are identified and treated promptly.

Feedlot Operations

• Manage daily feedlot operations and workflow.

• Oversee feeding schedules, cattle movement, and pen management.

• Monitor feed quality, water availability, and resource allocation.

• Ensure feedlot infrastructure is maintained and used effectively.

• Manage operational systems to improve efficiency and productivity.

• Ensure all activities are carried out according to feedlot procedures and standards.

Veterinary Oversight

• Conduct regular herd health assessments.

• Maintain accurate animal health and treatment records.

• Work closely with external veterinarians where required.

• Monitor disease prevention, treatment protocols, and recovery outcomes.

• Support vaccination, dosing, and biosecurity programmes.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and animal welfare requirements.

• Maintain strong biosecurity controls.

• Ensure staff, livestock, and workplace safety standards are followed.

• Identify operational risks and implement corrective actions.

• Maintain accurate records for audits, inspections, and reporting.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, train, and develop the feedlot team.

• Allocate duties and monitor team performance.

• Build a culture of accountability, discipline, and high performance.

• Promote teamwork, safety, and operational excellence.

• Address staff performance issues professionally and effectively.

Financial and Performance Management

• Manage feedlot budgets and operational costs.

• Monitor key performance indicators and production targets.

• Drive profitability through efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.

• Analyse performance data and identify areas for improvement.

• Support planning around feed usage, livestock performance, and resource control.

Reporting and Stakeholder Coordination

• Maintain accurate operational, health, and production records.

• Prepare regular performance and management reports.

• Liaise with suppliers, management, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders.

• Ensure clear communication between all operational departments.

• Support procurement, supplier coordination, and stock control where required.

Continuous Improvement

• Implement industry best practices across feedlot operations.

• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and productivity.

• Introduce practical innovations to improve animal health, welfare, and performance.

• Promote continuous learning and improvement within the team.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Veterinary degree such as BVSc, DVM, or equivalent will be strongly preferred.

• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in feedlot management or large-scale livestock operations.

• Strong knowledge of cattle health, nutrition, and feedlot systems.

• Proven experience managing teams and large-scale operations.

• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and improve profitability.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and reporting skills.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.

• Ability to make strategic and operational decisions under pressure.

• High attention to detail in compliance, record-keeping, and operational control.

• Experience with livestock management systems and data analysis tools.