SUMMARY:
Job Title: Feedlot Manager
Industry: Agriculture / Livestock / Abattoir Operations
Location: South Africa
Reporting To: Operations Manager / General Manager
Job Purpose
To manage and oversee all feedlot operations supplying livestock to the abattoir, ensuring optimal animal health, growth performance, feed efficiency, and compliance with animal welfare and food safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Feedlot Operations Management
Oversee daily operations of the feedlot, including feeding, watering, and general livestock care
Ensure proper stocking densities and movement of cattle
Monitor weight gain, feed conversion ratios, and overall herd performance
Coordinate supply of animals to the abattoir according to production schedules
- Animal Health & Welfare
Implement and monitor animal health programs (vaccinations, treatments, disease control)
Work closely with veterinarians to prevent and manage outbreaks
Ensure compliance with South African animal welfare regulations
Maintain humane handling practices at all times
- Nutrition & Feeding Programs
Develop and implement feeding strategies for optimal growth
Monitor feed quality, storage, and usage
Liaise with nutritionists to adjust rations based on performance and cost efficiency
- Staff Management
Supervise feedlot staff, including handlers, drivers, and general workers
Conduct training on animal handling, safety, and operational procedures
Manage staff schedules, performance, and discipline
- Compliance & Biosecurity
Ensure compliance with:
- Department of Agriculture regulations
- Food safety standards (e.g., HACCP)
- Environmental and waste management laws
Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease introduction/spread
- Record Keeping & Reporting
Maintain accurate records of:
- Livestock inventory
- Feed consumption
- Mortality rates
- Medical treatments
Prepare reports on performance, costs, and productivity
- Budget & Cost Control
Manage feedlot budget, including feed costs, labour, and veterinary expenses
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Equipment & Facility Maintenance
Ensure proper maintenance of feedlot infrastructure (pens, fencing, water systems)
Oversee maintenance of feeding and handling equipment
Minimum RequirementsEducationDiploma or Degree in:
- Animal Science
- Agriculture
- Livestock Production
- Veterinary-related field
Experience5–8 years’ experience in feedlot or livestock management
Experience within an abattoir or meat production environment advantageous
Proven experience managing teams and large-scale livestock operations
Knowledge & SkillsStrong knowledge of:
- Cattle production systems
- Feedlot management practices
- Animal health and nutrition
Understanding of South African agricultural and food safety regulations
Financial and operational management skills
Leadership and staff management ability
Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Computer literacy (MS Office, farm management systems)
Key CompetenciesLeadership and team management
Attention to detail
High level of responsibility and accountability
Ability to work under pressure
Strong organizational and planning skills
Working ConditionsOutdoor work in varying weather conditions
Long and irregular hours, including weekends if required
Physically demanding environment
Exposure to livestock and farm-related hazards
Additional RequirementsValid driver’s license
Willingness to live on-site (if required)
Knowledge of health & safety standards
POSITION INFO:
Job Title: Feedlot Manager
Industry: Agriculture / Livestock / Abattoir Operations
Location: South Africa
Reporting To: Operations Manager / General Manager
Job Purpose
To manage and oversee all feedlot operations supplying livestock to the abattoir, ensuring optimal animal health, growth performance, feed efficiency, and compliance with animal welfare and food safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Feedlot Operations Management
Oversee daily operations of the feedlot, including feeding, watering, and general livestock care
Ensure proper stocking densities and movement of cattle
Monitor weight gain, feed conversion ratios, and overall herd performance
Coordinate supply of animals to the abattoir according to production schedules
- Animal Health & Welfare
Implement and monitor animal health programs (vaccinations, treatments, disease control)
Work closely with veterinarians to prevent and manage outbreaks
Ensure compliance with South African animal welfare regulations
Maintain humane handling practices at all times
- Nutrition & Feeding Programs
Develop and implement feeding strategies for optimal growth
Monitor feed quality, storage, and usage
Liaise with nutritionists to adjust rations based on performance and cost efficiency
- Staff Management
Supervise feedlot staff, including handlers, drivers, and general workers
Conduct training on animal handling, safety, and operational procedures
Manage staff schedules, performance, and discipline
- Compliance & Biosecurity
Ensure compliance with:
- Department of Agriculture regulations
- Food safety standards (e.g., HACCP)
- Environmental and waste management laws
Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease introduction/spread
- Record Keeping & Reporting
Maintain accurate records of:
- Livestock inventory
- Feed consumption
- Mortality rates
- Medical treatments
Prepare reports on performance, costs, and productivity
- Budget & Cost Control
Manage feedlot budget, including feed costs, labour, and veterinary expenses
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Equipment & Facility Maintenance
Ensure proper maintenance of feedlot infrastructure (pens, fencing, water systems)
Oversee maintenance of feeding and handling equipment
Minimum RequirementsEducationDiploma or Degree in:
- Animal Science
- Agriculture
- Livestock Production
- Veterinary-related field
Experience5–8 years’ experience in feedlot or livestock management
Experience within an abattoir or meat production environment advantageous
Proven experience managing teams and large-scale livestock operations
Knowledge & SkillsStrong knowledge of:
- Cattle production systems
- Feedlot management practices
- Animal health and nutrition
Understanding of South African agricultural and food safety regulations
Financial and operational management skills
Leadership and staff management ability
Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Computer literacy (MS Office, farm management systems)
Key CompetenciesLeadership and team management
Attention to detail
High level of responsibility and accountability
Ability to work under pressure
Strong organizational and planning skills
Working ConditionsOutdoor work in varying weather conditions
Long and irregular hours, including weekends if required
Physically demanding environment
Exposure to livestock and farm-related hazards
Additional RequirementsValid driver’s license
Willingness to live on-site (if required)
Knowledge of health & safety standards
