Job Description

Description
Ecowize is looking for a highly driven, hands-on Area Manager to oversee and drive hygiene, sanitation, and biosecurity cleaning operations at a key client site with specific focus on the abattoir. This is a fully operational, boots-on-the-floor role requiring a strong leader with experience in ISO-compliant environments, team management, and continuous improvement.
You'll be the on-site champion of compliance, efficiency, and high standards--ensuring that sanitation operations align with Ecowize's commitment to safety, partnerships, integrity and service excellence.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead sanitation teams to deliver consistent, high-quality cleaning in compliance with Ecowize Site Specific Operating Procedures (SSOPs), client SLAs, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure daily, deep clean, and preventative sanitation operations are executed safely and effectively.
• Implement and maintain HACCP, ISO 22000 and internal audit requirements.
• Drive and enforce strict biosecurity measures, including personnel entry control, decontamination, and livestock area protocols.
• Conduct site inspections, risk assessments, and microbiological verification activities.
• Champion continuous improvement through Lean tools (5S, Kaizen, Gemba) and problem-solving sessions.
• Drive cross-functional problem-solving initiatives and lead continuous improvement projects to reduce downtime, improve performance metrics, and minimise waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and compliance teams to streamline operations and reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Build and maintain a strong safety culture - facilitate toolbox talks, report near-misses, and ensure correct PPE usage.
• Manage labour efficiency, resource utilisation, chemical application, and stock control.
• Liaise with client site management, Ecowize regional leadership, and internal compliance teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and compliance teams to streamline operations and reduce operational bottlenecks.

Requirements
What We're Looking For:
Experience:

• Experience in hygiene, sanitation, or operations leadership within meat processing or abattoir environments.
• Proven experience in ISO-compliant environments (especially ISO 22000 and ISO 9001).
• Strong understanding of biosecurity principles in animal processing settings.
• Demonstrated track record of leading frontline teams under pressure.
• Experience applying Lean or continuous improvement methodologies (advantageous).

Skills & Attributes:

• Respected hands-on leader with strong presence on the floor.
• Excellent communication and team management skills.
• Uncompromising attention to detail and hygiene compliance.
• Ability to work independently and maintain discipline in high-risk zones.
• Proactive problem-solver with a passion for operational excellence.

Qualifications:

• Matric (minimum requirement)
• National Diploma or Degree in Operations, Environmental Health, Food Safety, or related field (advantageous)
• HACCP Certification (advantageous).
• Lean/Six Sigma (preferred).
• Valid driver's license and own reliable transport.

What You'll Get

• Opportunity to grow within one of South Africa's leading hygiene and sanitation service providers.
• Supportive regional and national teams with strong leadership.
• PPE, training support, and access to internal learning and development.
• Recognition for performance, innovation, and on-the-ground impact.

When applying for jobs, ensure that you have the minimum job requirements.
If you are not in the mentioned location, please note your relocation plans in all applications for jobs and correspondence.
Apply Now
If you're ready to lead from the front, enforce the highest standards in hygiene and safety, and contribute to Ecowize's mission to protect people and food, then we want to hear from you.
Apply today and step into a role where your leadership drives results on the floor--where it counts most.
The Company is committed to complying with legislation and to meet its strategic goals regarding to employment equity.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting your personal information, you agree that this information will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (4 of 2013). The closing date for internal applications is 17 June 2025. Remember to inform your direct line manager should you be interested in this opportunity and apply directly on our job portal.
NOTE: If you have not received a response from us within 14-days of the closing date, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.
Work Level
Mid-Level
Type
Permanent
Salary
Market Related
EE Position
Yes
Location
North West