About Company
OK Foods, a proud member of the Shoprite Group, has been a cornerstone of local communities across South Africa for decades, providing fresh, high-quality groceries and exceptional customer service. Our commitment extends beyond the shelves, focusing on sustainable sourcing, community upliftment, and fostering a collaborative work environment. We pride ourselves on offering a wide array of products, from everyday essentials to specialty items, ensuring our customers have access to the best. As we continue to grow and adapt to evolving market demands, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance our operational efficiency and product quality. This dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of our business, from our supply chain management to our in-store experience. Joining OK Foods means becoming part of a legacy of quality, trust, and community, where your contributions directly impact the satisfaction of thousands of customers daily. We embrace technology and forward-thinking approaches to maintain our competitive edge and ensure a superior experience for both our customers and our valued team members.
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Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Butcher to join our team as a Remote Meat Quality & Procurement Specialist. This unique, full-time remote role leverages your profound expertise in butchery and meat science to elevate the quality standards and procurement strategies across OK Foods’ extensive network. You will be instrumental in ensuring that all meat products, from farm to fork, meet our rigorous quality benchmarks and customer expectations. This position demands a meticulous eye for detail, a deep understanding of various cuts, meat preparation techniques, food safety regulations, and a strategic mind for supply chain optimization.
Your primary responsibility will be to virtually oversee and consult on meat quality control, supplier audits, and operational best practices for our butchery departments across multiple locations. You will develop and implement comprehensive quality assurance protocols, provide remote training and guidance to our in-store butchers, and advise on optimal cutting methods, yield management, and inventory rotation. Beyond technical expertise, this role requires exceptional communication skills to collaborate effectively with suppliers, store managers, and our central procurement team. You will be a vital link in ensuring consistency, sustainability, and profitability within our meat category.
This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned butcher looking to transition into a strategic, leadership-focused role that impacts a broad network rather than a single location. You will be at the forefront of driving innovation in meat processing and presentation, contributing directly to OK Foods’ reputation for superior quality and freshness. If you are passionate about meat, dedicated to excellence, and thrive in a remote, consultative environment where your expertise can shape company-wide standards, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the flexibility of remote work while keeping you deeply connected to the pulse of our operations and the quality of our product.
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Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and monitor robust meat quality control standards and procedures across all OK Foods butchery departments, remotely.
- Conduct virtual audits and inspections of meat receiving, storage, processing, and display practices at various store locations.
- Provide remote expert guidance and training to in-store butchers on cutting techniques, portion control, waste reduction, and presentation.
- Collaborate with the procurement team to evaluate and select suppliers, ensuring adherence to quality specifications and ethical sourcing.
- Analyze meat sales data, customer feedback, and waste reports to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, new cutting methods, and food safety regulations (HACCP, ISO 22000) to ensure compliance and innovation.
- Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for meat handling, processing, and packaging.
- Assist in developing new meat products or value-added offerings to enhance customer appeal and profitability.
- Manage and resolve quality-related issues with suppliers and stores through remote communication and problem-solving.
- Contribute to cost-saving initiatives through efficient yield management and inventory control strategies.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 7 years of professional butchery experience in a retail or industrial setting.
- In-depth knowledge of various meat cuts, carcass breakdown, and meat science.
- Proven experience in meat quality control and assurance.
- Strong understanding of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP) and sanitation best practices.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and virtual collaboration skills.
- Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for remote work, including video conferencing and reporting software.
- Ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks in a remote environment.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Butchery qualification or certification from a recognized institution.
- Experience in a supervisory or training role within a butchery department.
- Knowledge of South African meat industry standards and supply chains.
- Familiarity with lean principles or Six Sigma methodologies in a production environment.
- Proficiency in a local South African language in addition to English.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive monthly salary with performance incentives.
- Opportunity to work remotely with flexible hours.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Contribution to a retirement fund.
- Generous employee discount at OK Foods and Shoprite Group stores.
- Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
- Access to the latest remote work technologies and tools.
- Impactful role shaping company-wide quality standards.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and why they are an ideal fit for this remote specialist role. Please emphasize your experience in meat quality assurance and your ability to work effectively in a remote capacity. Applications should be submitted through our careers portal by clicking the link below. Ensure all required fields are completed accurately.
