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 a 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
- 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
- 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£500for 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 Portlethen 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.
