Livestock Manager - West Coast at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    

• The purpose of the Livestock Manager  role is to manage all functions with relations to cattle in the Livestock. This is an end-to-end role that ensures that all cattle are well managed to ensure that efficient production of cattle is available in the feedlot to effectively supply Meat Markets. This role is hands-on in the operations where a team is manage, to ensure the correct controls and standards are in place with regards to the feeding requirements, rotation / movement / receiving of cattle, cattle well-being and management of the cattle are in place to ensure business objectives are achieved. This role reports into the Livestock Optimisation Manager to align with the business’s objectives.

Job Objectives    
Operational;

• To monitor performance of cattle and ensure sorted correctly according to business specifications
• To ensure standing efficiencies to plan and organise as demand requires
• Receives and dispatches the cattle to and from farm
• To handle the processing of cattle to ensure that weigh, inspect, medically treat, tag, handling, sorting and transferring of cattle is performed according to business standards
• To coordinate the logistics of cattle to and from abattoir
• Perform examination of cattle to determine effectiveness of disease control and collaborates with consulting veterinarian to take corrective action
• Ensure animal welfare is maintained by following correct protocol and handling procedures to minimise stress on cattle
• To perform ad-hoc research and trials e.g. determine feed efficiency, average daily gains etc.
• To proactively manage feed supplies and animal medication to always ensure sufficient amount on hand
• To liaise with farm manager regarding animal and feed purchases to build sustainable supply base.
• To consulting with animal nutritionist to ensure that the animals receive the best feed for best performance (FCE) when required
• To perform regular visits abattoir as and when required
• To implement optimal livestock solutions or initiatives implemented by business

Administration and Financial;

• To update and maintain all records as required by State Veterinarian
• To ensure all data captured and maintained to analyse trends, anticipate needs and monitor actual performance
• To validate weekly expenses against invoices received in coordination with Livestock Finance and Analytics Lead

People Function;

• To manage and assigns tasks to farm workers daily and manage the various teams on the farm
• To always ensure that farm workers are trained
• To implement and drive new training initiatives
• To drive farm worker empowerment and growth in the business

Qualifications    

• BSc Agric degree or any other relevant qualification – (Essential).

Experience    

• +3 - 5 years' experience in a Livestock / Feedlot operation – (essential)
• Previous exposure in managing a team to effectively achieve results – (essential)
• Previous exposure and knowledge in managing cattle in a Livestock operation – (essential)
• Previous exposure and knowledge in managing sheep in a Livestock operation – (preferable)

Knowledge and Skills    

• Motivated self-starter with a driven nature and strong integrity – Takes accountability for mistakes.
• Strong technical awareness and data management skills–Has a sound grasp of database?and reporting design concepts and manages data as a valuable resource to unlock its potential for the organisation.
• Confident with good personal influence to gain business area respect, influence decisions and gain commitments. Handles and negotiates conflict / challenges well and understands how to drive a high level of focus during times of change.
• Results driven and quality orientated - Strong commitment to delivering high quality work. Remains focused and works tenaciously toward meeting and exceeding expectations within quality standards. Is detailed; does it right the first time and/or spot mistakes in own work to align with functional and organisational guidelines or frameworks.
• Communication skills - Speaks clearly, audibly and at an appropriate pace and provides credible points of an argument in own area of expertise. Writes clearly and succinctly, using correct spelling and grammar; and provides simple points in a straightforward and factual manner.
• Planning and organising - Plans and organises own work effectively while supporting and directing the work of others. Delivers on promises, keeps track of progress against deadlines and ensures tasks are completed on time. Focuses efforts on achieving results aligned to organisational objectives.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage varying priorities and navigate periods of high demand in a fast-paced environment, balancing workload and delivering within tight deadlines.
• Collaborative partnering- Builds meaningful and sound relationships both internally and externally. Open, honest and direct and comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback. Thinks and acts both independently as well as collaboratively.
• Governance and ethical behaviour - Applies applicable Governance Policies, Code of Conduct and ethical behaviour. Addresses non-compliance and implements suitable corrections