Manager, Livestock Research Centres (Poultry, Swine, Equine)

University of Guelph • Puslinch, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Guelph is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Manager, Livestock Research Centres (Poultry, Swine and Equine). In this pivotal role, you will oversee three separate, high-intensity livestock research operations and facilities, alongside the pilot scale feed mill. This includes the Ontario Swine Research Centre, the Ontario Poultry Research Centre, and the Ontario Equine Research Centre. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring these world-class facilities continually support the research trials of over 20 faculty members and more than 20 technicians and graduate students across multiple university departments, bridging the gap between complex scientific research and commercial-scale agricultural production.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Business, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of previous related job experience in livestock management or research facility operations.
• Extensive hands-on farming expertise across swine, poultry, or equine production systems.
• Proven experience managing diverse personnel, supervising contractors, and administering multi-million-dollar operating budgets.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills under conflicting regulatory demands, competence in financial reporting systems, and a strong understanding of technical livestock equipment.
• Valid Ontario "G" Driver’s Licence.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree (M.Sc.) is an asset.
• Certified Worker under the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Supervisor H&S Awareness training.
• Nutrient Management Certificate.
• Proficiency with production software, MS Office, budget tracking systems, and diverse agricultural equipment.
• First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, and Confined Space.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with research leaders to implement complex trials, managing the SOPs, associated with 12,500 animals under strict Animal Use Protocols.
• Independently oversee 60,000 square feet of livestock housing, handling systems, and utility services, including supervising contractors for minor and major capital projects.
• Provide leadership and full HR oversight—including hiring, training, and performance evaluations—for full-time staff, and contract workers while fostering a strict culture of health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Take full accountability for budgets totaling $3 million in annual expenditures, while driving $1 million in annual revenue from livestock, egg, and broiler sales and managing high-value procurement contracts.
• Ensure absolute compliance with the University Animal Care Committee, Ontario’s Animals for Research Act, and Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines.
• Provide key operational input on design, equipment selection, and construction deficiencies during facility redevelopments, while managing the safe transition of staff, animals, and data to new builds, and serving as the primary liaison for government agencies, industry groups, and station neighbors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager