Allan Black

An accomplished Hatchery Leader, with over 35 years’ professional experience in driving team, operational and commercial performances within the Poultry industry. Specialises in delivering improvements to overall production performance, through the implementation of value-adding processes. Well-versed in Poultry, Health & Safety, Hygiene and Biosecurity Regimes, Production, Transport Planning, Audits, Compliance, Hatchery, and Incubation.

Proven success in leading and building dynamic teams, as well as delivering innovative solutions that transform organisational capabilities, and accelerate strategic company growth, whilst achieving cost savings and profitability.

• Functioning as a Manager, and key contact for information, coupled with man management skills to cover various situations. Experienced in managing and building high-performing teams with up to 45 staff.

• Defining staff development capabilities to improve staff productivity and performance. Skilled in staff training and staff appraisals.

• Optimising day-to-day activities while minimising costs, complemented with an excellent understanding of production procedures.

• Assisting company teams in the management and understanding of impediments to production processes, to enable constant process and strategy improvements.

• Driving KPI boosting strategies that deliver on business promises.

• Exercising astute problem-solving skills in busy production environments. Able to successfully design solutions and strategies following close review of resource allocations and requirements. 

• Experienced in HACCP Controls, Health & Safety Audits (Willis Blue) and Compliance, and Risk Assessments. A trained First Aider.
• Experienced in production Planning and forecasting to coincide with customer requirements.

• Propelling process improvements, by continually assessing production areas, whilst guaranteeing the most efficient output at all times.

• Experienced in managing budgets up to £22m.

• Proficient in stock control and utilities monitoring.

• Ensuring teams comply with strict Task Procedures.

• Technical competencies, with basic skills in mechanical engineering and preventive maintenance. An experienced Super User for M-Tech and SharePoint data control.

• Customer focused, with the ability to drive bespoke solutions. Competent in audit controls for various clients and customers.

• Winner of the Aviagen Best performing Hatchery award in 2017

• Excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills, armed with ability to communicate across all mediums.

• Collaborative vision, with the ability to ensure that teams have appropriate resources to perform their roles.

• Directing projects from initial planning, through to delivery.

• Identifying suitable suppliers, and negotiating to secure best deals for the company.

• Knowledgeable Administrator, with a broad skill set in office administration, including data entry and wages.

EDUCATION

• 1980 – Berwickshire High School, Duns

•  Achieving 5 “O” Grades in Maths, English, Chemistry, Geography & Biology