Slaughter Line Manager - Co. Offaly

Job Title: Slaughter Line Manager

Reports to: Site Manager

Overall Responsibility

Full responsibility for intake, processing, evisceration, and storage of livestock, ensuring the efficient running of slaughter line facilities.

Reports

• 102 Operatives
• 1 Supervisor
• 1 Trainer/Charge Hand

Main Responsibilities

1. Oversee slaughter line processes, carcass loading, and chill operations to meet required productivity levels.
2. Work closely with the maintenance team to ensure maximum uptime and implement plans for production efficiency. Foster a culture of root cause analysis and problem-solving.
3. Provide daily, weekly, and monthly reports on activity, productivity, costs, deviations, initiatives, and corrective actions.
4. Manage animal welfare from arrival through the lairage to stunning, ensuring compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
5. Ensure full compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
6. Actively manage slaughter line uptime, including execution of the Preventative Maintenance System.
7. Ensure efficient utilization of raw materials.
8. Liaise with regulatory representatives on-site to meet all legal and industry requirements for livestock processing.
9. Oversee staff training and development, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operator training. Maintain and review the Slaughter Training Matrix to ensure all necessary training is completed.
10. Implement cost control measures, including labor management, absenteeism tracking, and workforce planning.
11. Ensure all Health & Safety standards are met, maintaining compliance and best practices among staff. Conduct risk management meetings, support accident investigations, and implement lessons learned.
12. Oversee the data collection system for livestock payments, ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance from lairage through weighing and quality assessments.
13. Support change management and continuous improvement initiatives, including lean management practices.
14. Ensure adherence to the company’s environmental policies and sustainability initiatives.
15. Proactively identify and address operational issues, escalating concerns when necessary to drive timely resolutions.
16. Manage workforce planning and employee relations in collaboration with HR, ensuring staff motivation, training, and performance management to meet business objectives.
17. Undertake additional responsibilities as required to support operational efficiency, including reviewing and updating SOPs, implementing new processes, and utilizing new equipment.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Yield and efficiency optimization
• Product quality and adherence to specifications for customer and factory requirements
• Hygiene standards as per HACCP guidelines, working closely with the Quality Assurance team
• Staff attendance management, in collaboration with HR
• Regulatory compliance and audits
• Implementing corrective actions based on customer feedback
• Staff training and development
• Safety, health, and welfare of employees
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Additional tasks as directed by senior management

Consults With:

• Site Manager
• Production and Line Management Teams
• Maintenance Manager and Technicians
• Quality Assurance Team
• Regulatory Officials
• Human Resources
• Onsite Suppliers
• Finance, Payroll, and Support Departments

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven management experience in a livestock slaughter and processing facility
• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and maintenance requirements
• Customer-focused approach to production and quality control
• Experience with lean management and process improvement techniques
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Strong people management and leadership abilities
• Experience in financial and KPI management
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations
• Awareness of health, safety, and security responsibilities within the workplace
• Experience with RRMS implementation and compliance
• Ability to train and develop staff, with a preference for candidates who have completed recognized training delivery courses