Job Title: Feedlot ManagerIndustry: Agriculture / Livestock / Abattoir OperationsLocation: South AfricaReporting To: Operations Manager / General Manager Job PurposeTo 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 ManagementOversee daily operations of the feedlot, including feeding, watering, and general livestock careEnsure proper stocking densities and movement of cattleMonitor weight gain, feed conversion ratios, and overall herd performanceCoordinate supply of animals to the abattoir according to production schedules Animal Health & WelfareImplement and monitor animal health programs (vaccinations, treatments, disease control)Work closely with veterinarians to prevent and manage outbreaksEnsure compliance with South African animal welfare regulationsMaintain humane handling practices at all times Nutrition & Feeding ProgramsDevelop and implement feeding strategies for optimal growthMonitor feed quality, storage, and usageLiaise with nutritionists to adjust rations based on performance and cost efficiency Staff ManagementSupervise feedlot staff, including handlers, drivers, and general workersConduct training on animal handling, safety, and operational proceduresManage staff schedules, performance, and discipline Compliance & BiosecurityEnsure compliance with:Department of Agriculture regulationsFood safety standards (e.g., HACCP)Environmental and waste management lawsImplement strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease introduction/spread Record Keeping & ReportingMaintain accurate records of:Livestock inventoryFeed consumptionMortality ratesMedical treatmentsPrepare reports on performance, costs, and productivity Budget & Cost ControlManage feedlot budget, including feed costs, labour, and veterinary expensesIdentify opportunities to improve efficiency a...

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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. Record Keeping & Reporting

Maintain accurate records of:

• Livestock inventory
• Feed consumption
• Mortality rates
• Medical treatments

Prepare reports on performance, costs, and productivity

1. Budget & Cost Control

Manage feedlot budget, including feed costs, labour, and veterinary expenses
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs

1. Equipment & Facility Maintenance

Ensure proper maintenance of feedlot infrastructure (pens, fencing, water systems)
Oversee maintenance of feeding and handling equipment
 
Minimum Requirements
Education
Diploma or Degree in:

• Animal Science
• Agriculture
• Livestock Production
• Veterinary-related field

Experience
5–8 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 & Skills
Strong 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 Competencies
Leadership and team management
Attention to detail
High level of responsibility and accountability
Ability to work under pressure
Strong organizational and planning skills
 
Working Conditions
Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
Long and irregular hours, including weekends if required
Physically demanding environment
Exposure to livestock and farm-related hazards
 
Additional Requirements
Valid driver’s license
Willingness to live on-site (if required)
Knowledge of health & safety standards