Abattoir Manager

Profile Personnel; Komani; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Komani seeks a qualified Abattoir Manager to oversee all slaughtering operations, ensuring compliance with food safety standards while managing staff. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Food Science, at least 5 years in a meat-related field, and strong management skills. The role involves optimizing production efficiency and maintaining high-quality meat standards, with a focus on continuous improvement and staff development. Competitive package offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a meat-related field.
• At least 2 years’ managerial experience in a similar position.
• Experience in further meat processing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage all slaughterhouse operations for high-quality meat.
• Schedule and supervise slaughter activities and staff.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

HACCP compliance

Stock management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

National Senior Certificate

Food Safety Certifications

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Abaserve

Job description

Well-established company based in Komani are seeking qualified and experienced Abattoir Manager who will be responsible for overseeing all slaughtering activities, including animal reception, slaughter process, cut up, aging, storage, chilling and freezing. The role extends to further processing, packaging, cold chain logistics, staff management, recruitment, training and waste management. The manager ensures compliance with food safety standards and optimizes production efficiency and quality.

Educational requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Agricultural Economics or Meat Science (strongly preferred)
• National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
• Food Safety Certifications: HACCP and Hygiene Practices (essential)

Experience requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a meat-related field with strong understanding of beef facility operations (essential)
• At least 2 years’ managerial experience in a similar position
• Experience in further meat processing, venison, and offal packing (advantageous)

General competence required

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Abaserve
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English essential, Xhosa advantageous)
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to work under pressure
• Good stock-taking and reporting skills
• Responsible, hardworking and passionate about production
• Ability to maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety
• Commitment to continuous improvement and staff development
• Ability to enforce and maintain company policies, mission, vision and values
• Willingness to perform hands‑on management and support daily operations

Key performance areas

• Manage and oversee all aspects of slaughterhouse operations to ensure a continuous supply of safe, high‑quality meat
• Schedule and supervise slaughter activities, food production processes and staff in the department
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, hygiene, and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP)
• Conduct daily cleaning and maintenance inspections of all slaughter tools, equipment and machinery
• Monitor and maintain accurate stock records for received and dispersed goods
• Prepare and deliver training programs and materials for support staff
• Lead, motivate and manage staff; oversee recruitment and development
• Manage further processing, packaging, cold chain and waste management
• Ensure efficient production processes, quality control and cost management
• Prepare timely and relevant operational and management reports
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot all machinery and tools used in slaughtering processes
• Promote a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement
• Maintain good employee relations and ensure compliance with company policies and values
• Adhere to animal welfare standards and ensure humane handling and slaughtering of livestock

Report Structure

• Reports to General Deboning & Plant Manager, Livestock & Managing Director

Should you wish to apply please submit your CV through for consideration.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive a response within 14 days please consider your application unsuccessful. We will keep your CV on our database for any other relevant roles that may arise.