Area Manager - Rustenburg (North West) at Ecowize Group

Description

• Ecowize is looking for a highly driven, hands-on Area Manager to oversee and drive hygiene, sanitation, and biosecurity cleaning operations at a key client site with specific focus on the abattoir.
• This is a fully operational, boots-on-the-floor role requiring a strong leader with experience in ISO-compliant environments, team management, and continuous improvement.
• You’ll be the on-site champion of compliance, efficiency, and high standards—ensuring that sanitation operations align with Ecowize’s commitment to safety, partnerships, integrity and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sanitation teams to deliver consistent, high-quality cleaning in compliance with Ecowize Site Specific Operating Procedures (SSOPs), client SLAs, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure daily, deep clean, and preventative sanitation operations are executed safely and effectively.
• Implement and maintain HACCP, ISO 22000 and internal audit requirements.
• Drive and enforce strict biosecurity measures, including personnel entry control, decontamination, and livestock area protocols.
• Conduct site inspections, risk assessments, and microbiological verification activities.
• Champion continuous improvement through Lean tools (5S, Kaizen, Gemba) and problem-solving sessions.
• Drive cross-functional problem-solving initiatives and lead continuous improvement projects to reduce downtime, improve performance metrics, and minimise waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and compliance teams to streamline operations and reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Build and maintain a strong safety culture – facilitate toolbox talks, report near-misses, and ensure correct PPE usage.
• Manage labour efficiency, resource utilisation, chemical application, and stock control.
• Liaise with client site management, Ecowize regional leadership, and internal compliance teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and compliance teams to streamline operations and reduce operational bottlenecks.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For: 

Experience:

• Experience in hygiene, sanitation, or operations leadership within meat processing or abattoir environments.
• Proven experience in ISO-compliant environments (especially ISO 22000 and ISO 9001).
• Strong understanding of biosecurity principles in animal processing settings.
• Demonstrated track record of leading frontline teams under pressure.
• Experience applying Lean or continuous improvement methodologies (advantageous).

Skills & Attributes:

• Respected hands-on leader with strong presence on the floor.
• Excellent communication and team management skills.
• Uncompromising attention to detail and hygiene compliance.
• Ability to work independently and maintain discipline in high-risk zones.
• Proactive problem-solver with a passion for operational excellence.

Qualifications:

• Matric (minimum requirement)
• National Diploma or Degree in Operations, Environmental Health, Food Safety, or related field (advantageous)
• HACCP Certification (advantageous).
• Lean/Six Sigma (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport.

What You’ll Get

• Opportunity to grow within one of South Africa’s leading hygiene and sanitation service providers.
• Supportive regional and national teams with strong leadership.
• PPE, training support, and access to internal learning and development.
• Recognition for performance, innovation, and on-the-ground impact.