Operations Manager – Meat Industry

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

Operations Manager – Meat Industry

Market Related Salary

Knysna, WC

An exciting opportunity has become available for a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager to join an established butchery and meat processing business based in Knysna. This role is ideal for a results-driven individual with strong operational, financial and people-management skills who can ensure the smooth and profitable running of daily business activities.

Requirements

Proven experience in operations management within the meat, butchery, food production or FMCG industry

Strong understanding of meat processing, production workflows, stock control and distribution

Experience managing teams, departmental performance and daily operational targets

Sound knowledge of 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 practical improvements

Excellent communication, organisational and time-management abilities

Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems

Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport

Minimum of 3 recent, contactable references

Key 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, operational performance, 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, improve efficiency and optimise business performance

Prepare operational reports and provide regular feedback to senior management

Support business growth through effective planning, team development and continuous improvement

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on operation professional to make a meaningful contribution to a well‑established business within the meat industry.