Abattoir Manager

Protea Placements; George; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Protea Placements seeks an experienced Abattoir Manager for a Knysna-based meat processing and butchery business. You will lead daily operations, ensure compliance with meat safety and hygiene standards, and manage production targets while coordinating staff and resources.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership, excellent planning, and a proven track record in abattoir environments, with a focus on quality control and regulatory adherence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in abattoir management or a senior supervisory role within meat processing.
• Strong knowledge of slaughtering, carcass handling and meat inspection requirements.
• Solid understanding of Meat Safety Act, HACCP, hygiene standards and food safety regulations.
• Experience managing production teams and meeting daily targets.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily abattoir operations and ensure compliant processing.
• Manage slaughtering activities and production workflows.
• Ensure meat safety, animal welfare, hygiene and safety regulations are followed.
• Train and coordinate staff to sustain productivity and standards.
• Monitor meat quality, inspection procedures and traceability.
• Maintain production, stock, hygiene and compliance records.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and sanitation procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Skills

Abattoir management

Leadership

Food safety

HACCP

Quality control

Record-keeping

Driver's license

Team supervision

Job description

Abattoir Manager

Market Related Salary

Knysna, WC

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and hands-on Abattoir Manager to join an established meat processing and butchery business based in Knysna. We are looking for a knowledgeable, highly organised professional with strong leadership abilities and extensive experience in abattoir operations, meat quality control and food safety compliance.

Requirements

• Proven experience in abattoir management or a senior supervisory role within the meat processing industry
• Sound knowledge of slaughtering processes, carcass handling, meat inspection requirements and quality control
• Strong understanding of the Meat Safety Act, HACCP, hygiene standards and relevant food safety regulations
• Experience managing production teams, operational efficiency and daily processing targets
• Knowledge of livestock handling, animal welfare and humane slaughter procedures
• Excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving abilities
• Strong leadership, communication and staff management skills
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining strict safety and hygiene standards
• Computer literacy and accurate record-keeping abilities
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport
• Minimum of 3 recent, contactable references

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily abattoir operations, ensuring efficient and compliant processing
• Manage slaughtering activities, carcass handling and production workflows
• Ensure compliance with meat safety, animal welfare, hygiene and occupational health and safety regulations
• Supervise, train and coordinate abattoir personnel to maintain productivity and performance standards
• Monitor meat quality, inspection procedures and product traceability
• Maintain accurate production, stock, hygiene and compliance records
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, sanitation procedures and operational readiness
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, minimise waste and control operational costs
• Liaise with management, suppliers, inspectors and other relevant stakeholders

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced industry professional to take ownership of a key operational function within an established and growing meat processing business.