Plant Manager

The Plant Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing facility specializing in further processed meat products. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality meat products, while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies. The Plant Manager will lead a diverse team and collaborate with cross-functional departments to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operations Management:

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, packaging, and shipping of further processed meat products.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer demand while optimizing plant capacity.
• Monitor and adjust production processes to ensure product quality, yield, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure all production lines are running smoothly and resolve any operational issues quickly and effectively.
• Analyze production data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess plant performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.

2. Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health, and safety regulations, including USDA, FSIS, and FDA standards.
• Establish and enforce plant safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
• Maintain and implement quality control procedures to ensure products meet specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Lead plant efforts in maintaining certifications such as HACCP, SQF, or other relevant food safety standards.

3. Budget & Cost Control:

• Develop, manage, and track plant budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve yields, and optimize labor and material costs.
• Monitor and report on key cost areas including labor, materials, energy, and overhead.

4. Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of supervisors, technicians, and operators to foster a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Provide coaching and training to plant staff to enhance skills, promote safety, and improve productivity.
• Conduct performance reviews, address employee concerns, and ensure that the plant is fully staffed with qualified personnel.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and innovation across all plant functions.

5. Quality Assurance:

• Oversee and ensure all products meet company and customer quality standards.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to conduct regular audits, testing, and inspections.
• Address customer complaints or product issues in a timely and effective manner.

6. Continuous Improvement:

• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to drive plant performance.
• Promote the identification and implementation of operational efficiencies and process improvements.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes to resolve recurring issues and enhance productivity.

7. Reporting & Communication:

• Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership regarding plant performance, key challenges, and strategic initiatives.
• Communicate effectively across departments to align plant operations with corporate goals and customer needs.
• Maintain clear communication with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and inventory management.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in a meat processing or food manufacturing environment, with at least 3-5 years in a plant manager role.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, including USDA, FSIS, FDA, HACCP, and GMP.
• Proven track record of managing large, multi-shift teams and optimizing plant operations.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost management, and financial reporting.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement practices, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Solid understanding of quality control, product safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business or a related field.
• Experience with further processed meat products, such as sausages, hot dogs, deli meats, or ready-to-eat meals.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma, or other relevant manufacturing certifications.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., automated production systems, ERP systems).