Feed Department Lead

Job Summary

Provides hands-on leadership and strategic direction for daily feeding operations, ensuring livestock receive precise, consistent rations in alignment with nutritional guidelines. Drives a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence while optimizing efficiency, minimizing waste, and controlling feed costs. Leads, coaches, and develops the feeding crew to achieve high performance, reliable execution of feeding schedules, and continuous improvement across all aspects of feedlot operations.

Job Responsibilities

Safety

• Lead by example in maintaining a safety-first work environment at all times.
• Ensure all crew members follow established safety protocols, including equipment operation, lockout/tagout procedures, and proper PPE usage.
• Conduct and document daily equipment inspections; promptly report and address hazards.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Provide coaching and corrective action when unsafe behaviors are observed.

Quality

• Ensure all rations are mixed, loaded, and delivered in strict accordance with nutritionist guidelines.
• Verify accuracy of feed ingredients, weights, and delivery timing.
• Maintain precise and complete feeding records.
• Monitor feed consistency and bunk management to support livestock health and performance.
• Quickly identify and correct deviations from feeding protocols.

Productivity

• Execute feeding schedules efficiently to ensure timely delivery across all pens.
• Optimize labor, equipment usage, and feed flow to reduce downtime.
• Minimize shrink, waste, and rework in feed handling and delivery.
• Proactively identify process improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure equipment readiness and coordinate maintenance to prevent disruptions.

Teamwork

• Provide clear direction, training, and support to feeding crew members.
• Promote accountability, respect, and open communication within the team.
• Collaborate effectively with management, nutritionists, and maintenance personnel.
• Assist in developing team members’ skills and performance.
• Address conflicts constructively and maintain a positive work environment.

Attendance

• Maintain consistent, reliable attendance aligned with feeding schedules and livestock needs.
• Demonstrate flexibility with hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ensure adequate crew coverage for all feeding shifts.
• Communicate promptly regarding scheduling changes or absences.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven leadership experience in large-scale livestock feeding operations.
• Proficiency with feed management software and GPS/tracking systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours based on livestock needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of sitting (driving) and standing/walking.