Meat Factory Manager

Protea Placements; George; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Protea Placements is recruiting a Meat Factory Manager for a Knysna-based meat processing and butchery business. The role requires hands-on, production-focused leadership with strong knowledge of meat processing, packaging, quality control and team management.

The successful candidate will oversee daily operations, ensure food safety and quality, drive production planning, and optimize efficiency while maintaining cost controls and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in meat processing, production or factory management in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of meat cutting, deboning, portioning, processing and packaging procedures.
• Experience managing production lines, factory personnel and daily production targets.
• Sound understanding of HACCP, food safety, hygiene regulations and QA standards.
• Knowledge of cold chain, temperature control and product traceability.
• Stock control, yield management and waste reduction abilities.
• Experience with production planning, equipment maintenance and workflow optimisation.
• Excellent leadership, staff training and performance-management skills.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily meat processing and factory production operations.
• Oversee meat cutting, deboning, portioning, processing, packaging and dispatch prep.
• Plan and coordinate production schedules to meet demand.
• Supervise factory personnel, allocate duties and monitor performance.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, hygiene, quality and safety standards.
• Monitor yields, losses, stock usage and waste reduction.
• Maintain production records, stock reports and quality documentation.
• Oversee cold storage, temperature monitoring and handling procedures.
• Coordinate machinery maintenance, cleaning schedules and factory readiness.
• Identify improvements to production efficiency, consistency and costs.

Skills

Meat processing

Factory management

Food safety (HACCP)

Quality assurance

Team leadership

Production planning

Stock management

Waste reduction

Documentation & reporting

Problem solving

Job description

Meat Factory Manager

Market Related Salary

Knysna, WC

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Meat Factory Manager to join an established meat processing and butchery business based in Knysna. We are seeking a hands-on, production-focused professional with excellent knowledge of meat processing, manufacturing operations, quality control and team management.

Requirements

• Proven experience in meat processing, meat production or factory management within the food manufacturing industry
• Strong knowledge of meat cutting, deboning, portioning, processing and packaging procedures
• Experience managing production lines, factory personnel and daily production targets
• Sound understanding of HACCP, food safety, hygiene regulations and quality assurance standards
• Knowledge of cold chain management, temperature control and product traceability
• Strong stock control, yield management and waste reduction abilities
• Experience with production planning, equipment maintenance and workflow optimisation
• Excellent leadership, staff training and performance-management skills
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain consistent production and quality standards
• Computer literacy and accurate production reporting skills
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport
• Minimum of 3 recent, contactable references

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily meat processing and factory production operations
• Oversee meat cutting, deboning, portioning, processing, packaging and dispatch preparation
• Plan and coordinate production schedules to meet operational requirements and customer demand
• Supervise factory personnel, allocate duties and monitor individual and team performance
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, quality control and workplace safety standards
• Monitor product yields, production losses, stock usage and waste reduction
• Maintain accurate production records, stock reports and quality documentation
• Oversee cold storage, temperature monitoring and product handling procedures
• Coordinate machinery maintenance, cleaning schedules and factory readiness
• Identify and implement improvements to production efficiency, product consistency and operational costs

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced meat production professional to take responsibility for factory operations and contribute to the continued success of a growing business.