Blockman

SUMMARY:
Blockman - Biltong production - George

(note: this position is suitable for a semi-retired blockman) 

Our client in the FMCG industry specializing in Biltong products is on a recruitment drive for a blockman / production manager for their factory.

The ideal candidate must be passionate about quality, presentation, production and health, safety, hygiene and food safety standards.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Staff management of a team of 15 employee's
• Receive, inspect, and prepare fresh meat for biltong production.
• Select appropriate cuts of meat according to product specifications and quality standards.
• Trim meat accurately, removing excess fat, sinew, connective tissue, and unwanted portions.
• Cut meat into the required sizes, thicknesses, and portions for different biltong products.
• Weigh meat accurately to ensure correct portion sizes and consistent production.
• Prepare and apply biltong marinades, spices, vinegar, salt, and other ingredients according to approved recipes and production specifications.
• Ensure meat is properly marinated and cured for the required period.
• Monitor curing and preparation processes to ensure consistency in taste, texture, colour, and quality.
• Load and arrange meat correctly on drying racks, hooks, trays, or other approved equipment.
• Monitor drying and maturation conditions, including temperature, humidity, airflow, and drying times, according to company procedures.
• Inspect biltong throughout the drying process for quality, consistency, appearance, and any signs of spoilage or contamination.
• Remove products that do not meet required quality or food-safety standards and report concerns to management.
• Ensure correct product rotation using FIFO principles.
• Weigh finished biltong and portion, slice, package, and label products according to specifications.
• Maintain accurate production and batch records where required.
• Monitor production quantities and report shortages, wastage, or production issues.
• Maintain strict personal hygiene and follow food-handling and food-safety procedures at all times.
• Prevent cross-contamination by maintaining separation between raw meat, ingredients, finished products, equipment, and packaging areas.
• Clean and sanitise knives, cutting boards, machinery, work surfaces, drying equipment, storage areas, and other production equipment.
• Ensure cold-chain requirements are maintained when handling and storing raw meat.
• Safely operate meat-processing equipment, scales, slicers, knives, and other production equipment.
• Report equipment faults, maintenance requirements, food-safety risks, or quality concerns immediately to the relevant manager.
• Assist with stock counts and monitor levels of meat, spices, packaging materials, and other production supplies.
• Minimise product wastage while maintaining required quality and portion standards.
• Ensure the production area is clean, organised, and compliant with company hygiene and safety standards.
• Follow all company procedures, food-safety requirements, occupational health and safety rules, and production instructions.
• Assist with other duties within the biltong production operation as reasonably required by management.

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications:

• Grade 10–12 / National Senior Certificate preferred.
• Previous experience as a Blockman, Butcher, Meat Cutter, or in biltong/meat production.
• Practical knowledge of meat cutting, trimming, portioning, and preparation.
• Basic knowledge of food hygiene and safe food-handling practices.
• Ability to safely use knives, scales, slicers, and other meat-processing equipment.
• Physically fit and able to stand for extended periods and handle meat and production equipment.
• Ability to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays where required.

• Attention to detail
• Quality-conscious approach
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to follow recipes and production specifications
• Ability to work independently
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good time management
• Safety-conscious attitude
• Clean and hygienic approach to work
• Accountability and responsibility
• Consistency and accuracy