Operations Manager – Abattoir / Meat Processing plant

SUMMARY:
Job Title: Operations Manager – Abattoir / Meat Processing plant
Location: Far East Rand
Remuneration: Competitive salary package - experience dependent

POSITION INFO:
Purpose of the role:
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee end-to-end abattoir and meat processing operations. The role focuses on livestock procurement, production efficiency, cost control, food safety compliance, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Livestock Procurement & Costing
- Source and procure livestock aligned with production needs.
- Build supplier relationships and negotiate pricing.
- Monitor market trends, manage supply planning, and control input costs.

Production & Systems Management
- Oversee stock control, yield tracking, and system reconciliation.
- Ensure accurate costing, margin tracking, and reporting.
- Maintain pricing structures and support sales administration.

Operations & Staff Management
- Lead and optimise workforce across departments.
- Improve production flow, efficiency, and FIFO stock control.
- Implement training plans and cross-skilling initiatives.

Logistics, Fleet & Maintenance
- Manage distribution schedules and logistics coordination.
- Oversee fleet maintenance, compliance, and hygiene standards.
- Supervise maintenance planning and service providers.
Offal & Value-Added Production
- Improve offal processing efficiency and hygiene
- Develop packaging systems and new product opportunities (including by-products)

Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and HACCP standards
- Lead food safety reviews and maintain regulatory requirements

Continuous Improvement
- Drive operational improvements, cost reduction, and waste minimisation
- Implement systems to improve productivity and profitability

Key Competencies
- Operational leadership
- Process improvement
- Financial and yield analysis
- Staff development
- Attention to detail
- Food safety compliance
- Logistics coordination

Minimum Requirements
- Diploma/Degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Meat Technology, Operations Management, or related field (preferred)
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in abattoir, meat processing, or food production
- Strong knowledge of meat processing, carcass utilisation, and yield management
- Experience with stock control systems and production software
- Sound knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards
- Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills