At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in a dynamic abattoir environment, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join Kepak McIntosh Donald, Scotland's largest red meat producer with a commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, pension scheme, and subsidised meals on-site.
- Other info: Access training programmes and career progression opportunities in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food production while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Management experience in red meat processing and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Kepak McIntosh Donald are a globally recognised brand and the largest red meat producer in Scotland; raised on open pastures, sourced from local farmers and hand-selected by our master butchers, we produce beef and lamb products with integrity and unmatched quality assurance.
We are now recruiting for an Abattoir Manager at McIntosh Donald, Portlethen site.
Job Purpose: As Abattoir Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the department, ensuring production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with the highest standards of quality, compliance and animal welfare.
Requirements:
- Lead all daily Abattoir operations to achieve production and throughput targets.
- Ensure full compliance with animal welfare, food safety, quality, hygiene and health & safety standards.
- Deliver effective workforce planning, labour deployment and operational performance management.
- Manage departmental budgets, labour utilisation, waste reduction and yield optimisation.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and performance.
- Lead, coach and develop Supervisors and Assistant Managers.
- Maintain audit readiness and support customer, regulatory and third-party inspections.
- Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Livestock Procurement and HR teams.
Essential Experience:
- Previous management or senior supervisory experience within red meat processing, abattoir operations.
- Strong understanding of slaughter operations, lairage, animal welfare, offal processing, hides and traceability.
- Experience managing people, production plans and operational KPIs.
- Proven ability to drive performance, improve efficiencies and manage costs.
- Strong decision-making, communication and leadership skills.
- Experience working within regulated food production environments.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, BRCGS and food safety management systems.
- Experience leading continuous improvement projects.
- Strong understanding of yield optimisation and waste reduction strategies.
Benefits:
- 31 days annual leave per year (after probation).
- Annual Holiday Purchase Scheme - Need a little more time off? Purchase additional annual leave.
- Company Pension Scheme - Helping you plan for the future with access to our company pension scheme.
- Death in Service Benefit - Eligible salaried employees are covered by our Death in Service benefit, providing financial support and peace of mind for your loved ones.
- Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to £500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to join Kepak.
- Free On-Site Parking - Our site has dedicated staff parking, available free of charge for all colleagues.
- Subsidised On-Site Canteen - Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared hot meals and food options at reduced prices in our on-site canteen.
- Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money on a new bike and cycling equipment through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Electric Vehicle Scheme - Access an electric vehicle through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the loyalty, dedication and valuable contributions of our long-serving colleagues.
- Discounted Gym Memberships - Support your health and wellbeing with access to discounted gym memberships.
- Training and Development - We are committed to helping you grow your career through structured onboarding, regular online and in-person training, and clear opportunities for career progression.
- Mentoring and Leadership Development Programmes - Whether you're looking to build new skills or take the next step in your career, our mentoring and leadership development programmes are designed to help you reach your full potential.
- GroceryAid Employee Assistance Programme - Free and confidential emotional, practical and financial support for all Kepak colleagues, including access to counselling, mental health support, legal guidance and a 24/7 confidential helpline.
- Financial Advice & Will Writing - Access free mortgage advice and a complimentary will writing service as part of your employee benefits package.
Abattoir Manager in Aberdeen employer: Kepak Group
Kepak Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With a commitment to career growth through structured training and mentoring programmes, alongside generous benefits like 31 days of annual leave and a subsidised on-site canteen, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally in the beautiful setting of Portlethen, Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Abattoir Manager in Aberdeen
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Kepak Group often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Abattoir Manager in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Kepak Group does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kepak Group
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Kepak Group will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Kepak Group.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Kepak Group.
