Meat Processing Operations Lead

Protea Placements; George; On-site; ZAR 750,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Job summary

Protea Placements is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a Knysna meat industry business. The role focuses on leading daily operations, production planning and cost control to ensure profitable operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong meat-processing knowledge, robust stock control, and proven leadership with a track record in safety and compliance. This on-site position demands hands-on management and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Experience in operations management within meat, butchery, food production or FMCG.
• Strong understanding of meat processing, production workflows, stock control and distribution.
• Experience managing teams, departmental performance and daily targets.
• Food safety, hygiene standards, HACCP and occupational health and safety requirements.
• Excellent budgeting, cost control and operational planning abilities.
• Experience in procurement, supplier management and inventory control.
• Strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement improvements.
• Excellent communication, organisational and time-management abilities.
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office and reporting systems.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.
• Minimum of 3 recent, contactable references.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate daily operations across production, processing, stock control and distribution.
• Manage departmental supervisors and operational teams to ensure productivity and accountability.
• Monitor production targets, costs and profitability.
• Implement and maintain efficient operational procedures and quality standards.
• Oversee stock management, procurement, supplier relationships and inventory accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and workplace safety regulations.
• Coordinate production schedules, staffing requirements and resource allocation.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Prepare operational reports and provide feedback to senior management.
• Support business growth through planning, team development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Operations management

Meat processing

Stock control

Team leadership

Food safety & HACCP

Budgeting & cost control

Procurement

Communication

Organisational skills

MS Office

Reporting systems

Driver's licence

Tools

Inventory management software

MS Office

Job description

Protea Placements is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a Knysna meat industry business. The role focuses on leading daily operations, production planning and cost control to ensure profitable operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong meat-processing knowledge, robust stock control, and proven leadership with a track record in safety and compliance. This on-site position demands hands-on management and strategic planning.