Area Manager

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.
- 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.

**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.

**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.

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.

The Company is committed to complying with legislation and to meet its strategic goals regarding to employment equity.