Assistant Butchery Store Manager

Job Description: Assistant Butchery Store Manager

Location: Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Start Date: April 2026

Relocation: Candidates must be willing to relocate to Sterkspruit (Relocation assistance may be discussed for the ideal candidate).

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated and experienced Assistant Butchery Store Manager to join their Butchery team in Sterkspruit. This is more than just a management role; it requires a hands-on leader who understands the art of the butcher's block as well as the science of retail profitability.

You will play a pivotal role in the daily operations, acting as the second-in-command. Your primary focus will be to bridge the gap between the production floor and the sales floor, ensuring we deliver high-quality products while maximizing turnover and minimizing waste. You must be comfortable with early mornings, physical work, and being the person in charge of opening and closing the store.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management:

· Daily Planning: Plan the daily production schedule based on sales forecasts, stock on hand, and promotional activities to ensure sufficient supply without overproduction.

· Duty Allocation: Assign daily tasks to butchery staff and general assistants, ensuring efficient workflow in the cutting room and on the sales floor.

· Quality Control: Monitor the preparation, cutting, and packing of products to ensure they meet company standards for weight, quality, and hygiene.

· Stock Management: Assist in managing stock rotation (FIFO - First In, First Out), conducting regular stock counts, and monitoring cold room temperatures and equipment functionality.

· Health & Safety: Enforce strict adherence to all health, safety, and hygiene regulations (e.g., PPE usage, sanitation schedules).

Commercial & Store Management:

· Open & Close Store: Take full responsibility for the security of the premises by executing opening and closing procedures according to protocol, including alarm systems and cash-up procedures.

· Sales & Customer Service: Drive sales by ensuring excellent customer service, addressing customer complaints professionally, and upselling products.

· Merchandising: Oversee the display of products in the retail fridges and freezers to ensure they are visually appealing, fully stocked, and correctly priced.

· Cost Control: Assist in monitoring gross profit margins by controlling shrinkage, minimizing waste, and ensuring correct portioning of products.

· Team Leadership: Supervise, motivate, and train junior staff, stepping in to assist on the production line or sales floor whenever necessary to maintain service levels.

Requirements

Experience & Skills:

· Proven Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within a butchery or fresh food retail environment.

· Dual Understanding: Must have a solid grasp of both the production side (deboning, cutting, mincing, packing) and the commercial side (stock control, pricing, customer service, waste management).

· Technical Skill: Proficient in all aspects of meat processing. A formal butchery qualification would be a strong advantage.

· Numeracy: Ability to work with numbers for stock takes, gross profit calculations, and cash-up procedures.

· Computer Literacy: Basic knowledge of MS Office (Excel) and Point of Sale (POS) systems is beneficial.

Personal Attributes:

· Willingness to Relocate: Must be prepared to relocate to Sterkspruit and integrate into the local community.

· Hands-On Attitude: Willing to roll up sleeves and work alongside the team during busy periods or in case of staff shortages.

· Leadership: Able to command respect from the team and delegate tasks effectively.

· Integrity: High level of honesty and responsibility, especially regarding cash handling and stock security.

· Punctuality & Reliability: Must be available for early morning shifts and capable of adhering to strict opening times.

Please note this an Assistant role. The client is willing to offer 12-15K Plus Profit Sharing and a 13th Cheque.The client also offers use of basic household furniture if you are coming from out of town.