Butchery Manager

• Are you an experienced leader with a background in butchery, food production, processing, or manufacturing?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where quality, efficiency, and team leadership are paramount?

We are seeking a driven and hands-on Butchery Manager to lead our Christchurch butchery operation.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering operational excellence, maintaining food safety and quality standards, and leading a high-performing team committed to exceptional customer service.

Join a growing business where collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.

Position Details

• Permanent, full-time position
• Immediate start available
• Based at our Cumnor Terrace facility, Woolston, Christchurch
• Early morning start at 3:00 am, five days per week
• Occasional weekend work may be required

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Butchery, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of our Christchurch butchery operation. You will lead production activities, ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements, manage inventory and labour resources, and develop a culture focused on quality, performance, and continuous improvement.

Working closely with Sales, Purchasing, Inventory, Compliance, and Warehouse teams, you will help optimise operational efficiency, control costs, and support ongoing business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily butchery operations, including processing, packing, inventory management, and order fulfilment.
• Ensure production targets, customer orders, and service level commitments are consistently achieved.
• Drive productivity, yield improvement, quality performance, and cost efficiency across the department.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational performance.
• Ensure all products meet company quality standards and customer expectations.
• Maintain compliance with MPI regulations, food safety requirements, quality assurance standards, and company procedures.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture and ensure safe operating practices are consistently followed.
• Investigate and address non-conformances, operational issues, and customer concerns promptly and effectively.
• Oversee stock control, stock rotation, inventory accuracy, and stocktaking activities.
• Manage procurement requirements for operational consumables and packaging supplies.
• Support effective production planning to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop a high-performing team.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Prepare and manage team rosters and workforce planning requirements.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture focused on engagement and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and report on key operational performance indicators.
• Support strategic initiatives and business improvement projects.
• Contribute to product development and operational growth opportunities.
• Build strong working relationships across departments to ensure seamless service delivery.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Proven leadership experience within a butchery, food manufacturing, food processing, production, or operational environment.
• A trade qualification in Butchery or equivalent industry experience (highly regarded).
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop teams.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, MPI compliance, and health and safety requirements.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and perform under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment.

What We Offer

• A pivotal leadership role within a successful and growing business.
• The opportunity to make a genuine impact on operational performance and team success.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Competitive remuneration aligned to your skills and experience.

Apply Now

If you're ready to take the next step in your leadership career and want to be part of a team committed to quality, innovation, and exceptional service, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future success of our Christchurch butchery operation.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident, Resident Visa holder, or hold a valid New Zealand work visa.

Pre-employment Checks

The successful applicant will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including:

• Employment reference checks
• Ministry of Justice check
• ACC check
• Drug and alcohol testing conducted by an accredited provider

Apply now

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