Butchery Manager

Protea Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Butchery Manager in Scotland to oversee the efficient operation of the butchery department in a high-volume food manufacturing setting. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards while managing productivity and leading a team. Key qualifications include proven butchery leadership experience and a strong understanding of compliance in a BRCGS-accredited environment. This role requires candidates to have full rights to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a butchery leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of yield, cuts, specifications and meat processing.
• Experience working in a BRCGS-accredited environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day butchery operations including cutting and trimming.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and legislation.
• Manage and improve meat yield while minimizing waste.

Skills

Leadership in butchery

Understanding of yield and cuts

Knowledge of UK food safety legislation

People management

Job description

Role Profile

Butchery Manager

Location

Scotland

Reports to

Operations Manager / Factory Manager

Direct Reports

Butchery Supervisors / Team Leaders

Role Purpose

The Butchery Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the butchery department within a high-volume food manufacturing environment. The role ensures meat is processed to customer specification, maximising yield and labour efficiency, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality and welfare in line with BRCGS, FSA and retailer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production

Lead all day-to-day butchery operations, including cutting, trimming, boning and portioning. Deliver production plans in line with customer demand, service levels and site KPIs. Ensure products are manufactured strictly to customer specifications. Drive productivity, throughput and continuous improvement initiatives.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

Maintain full compliance with BRCGS Food Safety Standard , HACCP and UK food legislation. Ensure high standards of hygiene, traceability and product legality at all times. Lead the department through internal and external audits, including retailer audits. Investigate non-conformances and implement corrective and preventative actions.

Yield, Cost & Performance

Manage and improve meat yield, minimising waste and product giveaway. Control departmental labour costs, overtime and efficiencies. Monitor KPIs including yield, labour efficiency, waste, complaints and service.

People Leadership

Lead, coach and develop butchery teams, including Supervisors and Team Leaders. Manage staffing levels, rotas, training and performance management. Promote a strong culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement. Ensure all staff are trained and competent in knife skills and safe systems of work.

Health, Safety & Welfare

Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation in a high-risk environment. Promote safe working practices around knives, machinery and manual handling. Uphold animal welfare standards where applicable.

Cross-Functional Working

Work closely with Planning, Technical, Engineering and Supply Chain teams. Support NPD trials, product launches and customer changeovers as required.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

Proven experience in a butchery leadership role within food manufacturing. Strong understanding of yield, cuts, specifications and meat processing. Experience working in a BRCGS-accredited environment. Demonstrable people management and leadership experience. Knowledge of UK food safety legislation and retailer standards.

Desirable

Experience supplying UK major retailers. HACCP Level 3 or higher. Food Safety Level 3 or above. Continuous improvement / lean manufacturing exposure.

Personal Attributes

Hands‑on, credible and respected by shop‑floor teams. Calm under pressure with strong decision‑making ability. Commercially aware with a focus on yield and cost control. Detail‑oriented with high standards for quality and compliance.

Working Rights

Candidates must have full right to work in the UK with no restrictions.