Production Supervisor – Meat Processing

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Salary: R30,000 – R45,000 CTC per month
Industry: Meat Processing / Food Production
Reporting to: Production Manager

The Opportunity

An established meat processing operation is seeking an experienced Production Supervisor to oversee daily production activities, supervise production staff and ensure that products are processed, packed and prepared according to quality, food safety and production requirements.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining production schedules, managing staff performance, minimising wastage, monitoring productivity and ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene and workplace safety standards.

This role requires a hands-on supervisor with strong knowledge of meat processing operations, sound organisational skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Planning and Operations

• Supervise daily meat processing and production activities to meet production targets and delivery schedules.

• Ensure production plans are implemented efficiently and resources are allocated appropriately.

• Monitor production output, workflow, productivity and downtime.

• Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve production efficiency.

• Ensure raw materials, packaging and production equipment are available when required.

• Monitor yields, portion control, stock usage and product wastage.

2. Staff Supervision and Management

• Supervise, allocate and monitor the work of production employees.

• Ensure staff adhere to production procedures, work instructions and performance standards.

• Conduct shift briefings and communicate daily production targets.

• Monitor attendance, timekeeping, discipline and overall staff performance.

• Train and develop employees on production processes, hygiene and safe working practices.

• Address operational issues and escalate matters where necessary.

3. Meat Processing and Product Quality

• Oversee meat processing activities, which may include cutting, deboning, trimming, mincing, portioning, marinating, packing and labelling, depending on the operation.

• Ensure products meet required specifications, weights, presentation and quality standards.

• Monitor product handling, temperature control, storage and cold-chain requirements.

• Identify and report quality deviations, non-conforming products and processing issues.

• Work closely with quality assurance personnel to maintain product consistency and minimise rework.

4. Food Safety, Hygiene and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety legislation, hygiene standards and company procedures.

• Monitor cleaning and sanitation activities across production areas.

• Enforce personal hygiene, protective clothing and contamination-prevention procedures.

• Ensure correct handling, storage and traceability of raw materials and finished products.

• Maintain accurate production, hygiene, temperature and quality records.

• Support internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

5. Stock Control and Waste Management

• Monitor raw material usage, stock levels, product yields and production losses.

• Ensure stock is handled, stored and rotated according to applicable procedures.

• Investigate excessive wastage, yield variances and stock discrepancies.

• Promote efficient use of materials, packaging and production resources.

• Assist with stock counts and production reconciliations.

6. Equipment and Workplace Safety

• Ensure production machinery and equipment are operated safely and correctly.

• Report equipment faults and coordinate maintenance requirements.

• Enforce occupational health and safety procedures within the production environment.

• Identify workplace hazards and ensure appropriate corrective action is taken.

• Promote a safe, clean and organised production environment.

7. Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Prepare daily and periodic production reports covering output, yields, wastage, downtime and staffing.

• Monitor performance against production targets and identify areas for improvement.

• Investigate production inefficiencies and implement practical solutions.

• Work with management, quality assurance, maintenance, stores and dispatch teams to improve workflow and delivery performance.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric certificate.

• Relevant qualification in Food Technology, Meat Processing, Production Management or a related field would be advantageous.

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a production supervisory role within meat processing or the food manufacturing industry.

• Practical understanding of meat processing operations and production workflows.

• Experience supervising production teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, quality control and workplace safety requirements.

• Experience monitoring production targets, yields, wastage and productivity.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong staff supervision and team management skills.

• Good planning, coordination and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong understanding of production processes and quality requirements.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.

• High attention to detail and commitment to food safety.

• Good communication and reporting skills.

• Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements.

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel and production or stock management systems.

Remuneration

R30,000 – R45,000 CTC per month, depending on experience and suitability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV, clearly outlining their meat processing experience, production responsibilities, team size managed and achievements relating to productivity, yield improvement, quality and food safety.