Manager: Wildlife Product Section (Game Processing Plant and High Value Asset Store) at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Requirements

Minimum required academic qualification

• Honors or post graduate Diploma or Degree (NQF 8) in Environmental Science, Bachelor of Vet Science, Environmental Health, Food or Meat Science or related disciplines with a focus in Meat Processing, Food Technology, Agriculture Economics, or Production Management.
• A post graduate qualification (NQF 9 or above, Masters, or equivalent) in meat hygiene, logistics, economics or related fields would be an added advantage.
• Qualification Certificate (ID 118695 and 118696) would be an added advantage.

 Minimum required training certificates

• Hygiene Management System (HMS) – compulsory.
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) – compulsory.
• ISO 220000 accreditation – added advantage.

  Minimum Experience

• Five (5) years’ experience in the management of an abattoir or meat processing facility.
• Three (3) years’ experience in a managerial position, with experience in managing and overseeing a team (25 people or more).
• Demonstrable experience in compliance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills & Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of Meat Safety Act, Occupational Health & Safety requirements and Animal Welfare Regulations.
• Proven leadership, organisational and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication (English, verbal and written);
• Financial acumen with the ability to position operations for sustainability.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and influencing ability.
• Good working knowledge of a computer and various IT packages
• Good team-working; networking and influencing skills;
• Valid Code 08 (B) drivers licence.

Responsibilities

• The role of the Manager: GPP and HVWAS is to oversee the daily operations in field and of the facility, by implementation, co-ordination, reporting and effective control of all processes that takes place at the facility within and supporting decisions, actions and engagements within and around the KNP. Specific key roles and responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Operational Management

• Lead and oversee daily abattoir operations including slaughtering, dressing, processing, packaging, and storage.
• Manage secure storage, reporting, and compliance procedures for high-value wildlife assets.
• Ensure production targets are met efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, food safety, and quality throughout all processes.
• Implement preventative maintenance schedules for equipment and machinery.

Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure full compliance with the Meat Safety Act, occupational health & safety legislation, food safety standards (HACCP, ISO 22000), and SANParks internal protocols.
• Review update and develop relevant KNP SOP’s, Protocols, Guideline and Policies.
• Uphold strict adherence to animal welfare, environmental legislation, and chain-of-custody requirements for wildlife assets.
• Liaise with veterinary inspectors and regulatory bodies for inspections and certifications.
• Maintain accurate production, health, and safety records.

Quality Control & Monitoring

• Oversee quality assurance checks from live animal intake to final packaged product.
• Address and resolve any non-conformance issues promptly.
• Oversee various resource use reporting and monitoring programs in the KNP by assessing, analysing, collating and communicating the abattoirs performance data and reporting information to internal staff, clients, stakeholder and regulatory bodies.
• Identify all critical control points at both the GPP and HVWAS, and design monitoring checks to ensue product quality, safety and security.

Staff Management

• Lead, train, and develop a multidisciplinary team (25+) of operational staff.
• Develop and implement training programs on hygiene, safety, and technical skills.
• Ensure proper staffing levels to meet production demands.
• Promote a positive, safe, and disciplined work environment.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage budgets, control costs, and report on financial performance.
• Position the GPP as a socially impactful, commercially viable facility, balancing conservation, sustainability, and community beneficiation.
• Identify and develop new markets and value-adding opportunities.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase throughput and reduce waste.
• Stay updated on industry developments, technology, and best practices.
• Work with supply chain and marketing teams to align production with market demand.
• Stakeholder management, communication; advisory and liaising with internal/external departments, partners and regulatory bodies.
• Engage communities, partners, and supply chain stakeholders to support socio-economic development outcomes.
• Ensure the facility supports SANParks’ long-term climate resilience, sustainability, and conservation objectives.

Closing Date

• 16 September 2025