Regional Manager – Factory & Retail Operations (Meat), Durban, KZN

Job Description
Regional Manager: Factory and Retail Operations (Meat), Durban

• Our client is looking for an exceptional, dynamic and resilient Regional Manager with a strong operational background in the meat/butchery industry. This role requires a physically fit and healthy individual who is prepared to be highly hands-on, work in a demanding environment and respond effectively to short lead times and constant operational pressure. The successful candidate will combine strong leadership with strategic thinking and will have the ability to take control of a meat manufacturing facility and approximately six retail stores, driving performance, discipline, food safety and profitability.

Minixxxxmum Qualifications

• Matric and Tertiary qualification in Operations Management, Production Management, Supply Chain, Business Management or a related discipline
• At least 10 years' senior operational management experience within the meat processing, butchery or meat manufacturing industry
• Must have managed more than 150 people
• Proven experience managing high-volume production operations within demanding turnaround times
• Exposure to multi-site retail operations with responsibility for store performance and profitability
• Extensive knowledge of HACCP, food safety legislation, hygiene requirements and temperature-controlled environments
• Demonstrable experience across production, buying, distribution and retail operations
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, gross margins, labour costs, waste and operational profitability
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, confront underperformance and enforce high standards
• Ability to work under sustained pressure, manage competing priorities and make sound decisions within short lead times
• Sober habits, clear criminal, credit and qualification checks
• Excellent references

Key Responsibilities

• Take full accountability for the performance of the meat manufacturing facility and approximately six retail stores
• Provide both strategic direction and active operational leadership across manufacturing and retail activities
• Ensure production volumes, yield, quality, cost and delivery requirements are consistently achieved
• Manage production planning and resources to respond quickly to changing demand and tight turnaround requirements
• Oversee temperature-controlled distribution, ensuring products reach stores accurately, safely and on time
• Control procurement, supplier performance, product quality, pricing and stock availability
• Maintain uncompromising food safety, hygiene, traceability and regulatory compliance throughout the operation
• Identify risks and operational inefficiencies, implement corrective action and drive lasting improvements
• Lead, develop and hold Factory Managers, Store Managers and operational teams accountable for measurable results
• Manage financial performance by improving productivity, reducing losses and protecting gross margins and profitability