Operations Manager - Abattoir

Job Position: Operations Manager - Abattoir

Ref: 5195

Location: Near Cradock

Salary: up to R per month gross commensurate with qualification and experience + company vehicle

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Qualifications / Requirements:

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Meat Technology, Operations Management, or related field (preferred)
• Minimum 5 years experience in abattoir, meat processing, or food production operations
• Strong knowledge of meat processing, yields, and carcass utilisation
• Experience with stock control and production software systems
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety systems
• Strong leadership and staff management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Key Competencies

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

Key Performance Areas: Livestock procurement:

• Source and purchase livestock suitable in line with production requirements
• Build and maintain relationships with Farmers, Agents, and suppliers
• Evaluate livestock based on grade, condition, and expected yield
• Negotiate livestock prices and supply agreements to ensure competitive margins
• Plan and manage livestock supply to maintain consistent throughput
• Monitor market prices and trends in the livestock industry
• Ensure correct record keeping and costing of livestock purchases

Software and production administration:

• Train Sales Representatives to correctly create and process sales orders
• Maintain and update the weekly sales price list
• Manage daily stock control and reconciliation on the system
• Ensure daily weight balancing between slaughter results and system data
• Monitor and reconcile yield reports and investigate discrepancies
• Manage producer settlements and ensure accuracy
• Oversee livestock costing and margin tracking

Staff management:

• Streamline staffing across departments to ensure optimal operational efficiency
• Review and improve production process flow
• Implement and monitor a FIFO stock control system
• Develop and maintain a training matrix for all staff in collaboration with the Food Safety Manager
• Ensure cross-training of employees across departments to improve operational flexibility

Offal processing:

• Develop and implement packaging systems for formal and export markets
• Improve efficiency and hygiene standards in the offal washing room

Fleet and vehicle management:

• Schedule and diarise vehicle servicing and maintenance
• Implement vehicle inspection checklists
• Ensure vehicle cleanliness and hygiene compliance

Logistics and distribution:

• Plan and manage delivery schedules
• Coordinate logistics to ensure efficient distribution of product

Maintenance management:

• Review the maintenance department structure and define responsibilities clearly
• Monitor and prioritise maintenance tasks and repair schedules
• Obtain and evaluate maintenance quotes and service providers

Operational control:

• Security oversight
• Insurance compliance and risk management

Value-added production

• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve utilisation
• Develop high-value product lines
• Investigate and develop pet product opportunities from by-products

Food safety and compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations
• Maintain and implement HACCP systems
• Participate in and manage food safety management reviews

Training and accreditation:

• Coordinate and implement staff training programs
• Maintain required industry accreditations and regulatory compliance

Continuous improvement:

• Lead planning and operational improvement initiatives
• Implement systems and processes to improve productivity and profitability