Farm Construction Manager

Finding the right place to grow your career isn’t (over) easy, so we’re here to help by sharing a few reasons why the grass is greener at Vital Farms. We think you’ll appreciate our focus on Conscious Capitalism, which drives business decisions that benefit all our stakeholders (leading to even better business results). You might be drawn to our innovative approach and refusal to settle for the “way things have always been done.” Or you could find it exciting to grow your skills while working for an industry-leading brand. Whether you’re into our values, our brand, or our egg-cellent puns, we hope you’ll join our Crew and help us change the world 108 square feet at a time!

At Vital Farms, we are proud of our incredible stakeholders, and the diversity they represent from all areas and communities in which we operate and serve. We view this as a source of strength for us and your job is to help us make it even better.

Your Role:

Reporting to the Director of Farm Network Expansion Strategy, the Farm Construction Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the end-to-end barn construction process for new contract layer hen farms in our network. This role ensures project timelines, adherence to specifications, and compliance requirements are met while also implementing best-in-class project management processes and reporting structures to enhance efficiency and transparency. 

What You'll Do: 

Project Management & Oversight 

• Lead barn construction projects from planning to completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Develop repeatable workflows and documentation practices to drive consistency, efficiency, and accountability.
• Monitor budgets, identify risks, and resolve roadblocks with strategic, data-informed decisions.
• Support farmer and contractor coordination to align scopes of work and ensure quality execution. 

Field Execution & Support 

• Conduct regular farm visits across the Eastern region to track progress, troubleshoot issues, and guide contractors and farmers.
• Ensure all equipment, systems, and materials are in place before chick placement.
• Recommend improvements to site layout, workflows, and construction methods based on field observations and best practices. 

Reporting & Visibility 

• Build and maintain clear, actionable reporting systems that keep stakeholders informed of progress, risks, and milestones.
• Own a dynamic project dashboard that offers real-time visibility across multiple builds.
• Deliver consistent updates and post-project summaries that support smooth operational transitions. 

Collaboration & Handoffs 

• Partner with Grower Recruitment, Compliance, Pullet Ops, and Farm Ops to ensure seamless transitions from construction to operations.
• Communicate changes, expectations, and project insights across teams to keep everyone aligned.
• Lead structured project closeouts, including documentation, punch lists, and readiness checklists. 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Manage and mentor a direct report, setting clear expectations and providing growth opportunities.
• Share best practices in project structure, communication, and process optimization. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Evolve construction SOPs, training materials, and standards based on lessons learned.
• Apply a continuous improvement mindset to both technical processes and team collaboration.
• Identify opportunities to scale construction operations more effectively as the network grows. 

What You Bring to the Table: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Agriculture, or a related field – or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in construction project management, preferably in agricultural, livestock, or rural infrastructure settings.
• Must be located in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, or Southern Illinois.
• Ability to travel to farm locations a minimum of 3 days per week (75% travel expected).
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects from planning through execution, with a strong track record of staying on time and on budget.
• Experience working directly with general contractors, subcontractors, and tradespeople – including managing on-site troubleshooting and compliance with safety standards.
• Prior experience in agricultural construction (e.g., poultry or livestock barns) is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing or mentoring team members or direct reports in a project-oriented environment is a plus.
• A passion for continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and process optimization.
• You’re no hero – You know the power of teamwork and celebrate the work of others before your own. 
• You give a sh*t – You believe in acting like an owner and making Vital Farms a place to be proud of. 
• You raise the standards – You know growth can be hard, but you strive to improve yourself and others each day. 
• You can walk in someone else’s boots – You seek to understand other’s viewpoints and think that you get to better answers by sitting on the same side of the table. 
• You don’t walk on eggshells – You’re not afraid to leave the bullsh*t behind and have honest conversations.  

What We Bring to the Table:

• A fast-paced, energetic, remote environment with passionate people who are leading a movement to bring ethically produced food to the table.
• Competitive pay and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Paid Parental Leave, just to name a few).
• Generous retirement contributions: 401(k) + 3% Contribution from Day 1.
• Annual bonus and equity grant (subject to business results and company approval)
• Free eggs and butter, along with friends and family discounts.
• Fun team SWAG that will make you the talk of the town.
• Professional development opportunities and an amazing team dedicated to your growth.