Abattoir Manager – Meat Processing Operations

About the role

An established meat processing and butchery business in Knysna is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Abattoir Manager. The role involves leading daily abattoir operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and driving operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily abattoir operations, managing slaughtering activities, carcass handling and production workflows.
• Ensure compliance with the Meat Safety Act, HACCP, animal welfare, hygiene and occupational health & safety regulations.
• Supervise, train and coordinate abattoir personnel to meet productivity and performance targets.
• Monitor meat quality, inspection procedures and product traceability, maintaining accurate records.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, sanitation procedures and operational readiness.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste and control costs.
• Liaise with senior management, suppliers, inspectors and other stakeholders.

Required profile

• Proven experience in abattoir management or senior supervisory role within meat processing.
• Strong knowledge of slaughtering processes, carcass handling, meat inspection and quality control.
• In‑depth understanding of the Meat Safety Act, HACCP, hygiene standards and related food safety regulations.
• Experience leading production teams, meeting daily processing targets and managing operational efficiency.
• Excellent planning, organisational and problem‑solving abilities, with the capacity to work under pressure.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport, with at least three recent contactable references.

Required skills

• HACCP implementation and compliance
• Meat safety and food safety regulations
• Record‑keeping and computer literacy for production and compliance data