Operations Manager (Fmcg)

Staff Solutions Recruitment; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 80 000 - 120 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in the agricultural sector is seeking a Senior Operations Manager for a poultry farming and packstation environment. This role requires strong leadership skills, extensive experience in poultry operations, and proficiency in health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will oversee farm and packstation processes, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement while driving profitability. A relevant postgraduate degree and experience in wage negotiations are highly advantageous.

Qualifications

• 58 years of senior-level experience in poultry farming and/or packstation operations.
• Skilled in constructive engagement with Worker Forums and Trade Unions.
• Valid driver's license and own vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Deliver profitability through economic cycles.
• Oversee flock health, biosecurity, and animal welfare.
• Manage intake, planning, quality assurance, and sales coordination.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, health and safety regulations.
• Lead a high-performance team across farm and packstation.

Skills

Leadership of high-performance teams

Wage negotiations

Health & Safety Regulations knowledge

Animal Welfare understanding

Biosecurity protocols

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Relevant Post Graduate Degree (MBA advantageous)

Tools

SageX3

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Strategic & Financial Oversight
  • Deliver profitability through economic cycles by :
  • Ensuring production volumes align with sales targets.
  • Growing higher‑value product lines.
  • Demonstrating cost savings through packaging and distribution initiatives.
  • Managing maintenance Capex within budget.
• Farm Operations
  • Oversee flock health, biosecurity, and animal welfare.
  • Monitor and improve :
  • LPI and FCR for completed flocks.
  • Stock variance on depleted flocks.
  • Biosecurity and welfare audit scores.
  • Water treatment standards (i.e. pH, chlorine levels).
  • Maintain product quality standards (cracks and dirties below benchmark).
• Packstation Operations
  • Manage intake, planning, quality assurance, and sales coordination.
  • Improve wrapping and grading efficiency.
  • Control crack, dirty and liquid % of sales and returns.
  • Manage and maintain stock variances.
  • Ensure optimal utilisation of distribution fleet
• Operational Excellence
  • Ensure compliance with SOPs, health and safety regulations, and housekeeping standards.
  • Administer capital budgets and supplier / contractor relationships.
  • Maintain good and healthy relationships with suppliers.
  • Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Compile and submit monthly operational reports.
• Leadership & Culture
  • Lead a high-performance team across both farm and packstation.
  • Review and maintain succession plans.

Job Requirements

• Relevant Post Graduate Degree (MBA advantageous)
• 58 years of senior‑level experience in poultry farming and / or packstation operations.
• Demonstrated experience in wage negotiations
• Skilled in constructive engagement with Worker Forums and Trade Unions.
• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety Regulations, Animal Welfare, Biosecurity, and vaccine administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; SageX3 experience advantageous.
• Valid drivers license and own vehicle.
• Willingness to perform night checks and weekend duties.