Food Manufacturing Plant Manager

SUMMARY

The Plant Manager will oversee all daily operations of our production facility, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This role requires a strong leader with extensive experience in food manufacturing, excellent problem-solving skills, and a commitment to developing team capabilities. The Plant Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and optimize production processes.

Responsibilities and Duties

× Production Oversight: Manage, monitor, and coordinate the production workflow to meet daily and monthly output goals while ensuring quality standards are met.

× Safety & Compliance: Promote a safety culture by enforcing OSHA standards, safety protocols, and company policies; ensure all operations comply with industry regulations. Ensure strict compliance with FDA, USDA, or OSHA guidelines, as well as standards like SQF (Safe Quality Food) and GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices).

× Team Leadership: Lead, train, and develop the plant’s workforce, including supervisors and production staff; foster a collaborative environment that encourages growth and accountability.

× Budget Management: Oversee budgetary requirements, including labor costs, material expenses, and equipment maintenance; work to achieve cost-saving targets.

× Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste; drive lean manufacturing initiatives.

× Quality Control: Ensure all products meet Uncle John’s Pride quality standards and resolve any issues that may impact product quality.

× Equipment Maintenance: Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule repairs and ensure all machinery and equipment are operating safely and efficiently.

× Inventory & Supply Chain: Work with the procurement and supply chain teams to ensure timely access to raw materials and manage inventory control effectively.

× Reporting & Analysis: Prepare regular reports on production metrics, analyze performance, and provide insights to upper management.

× Financial & Budget Management

× Prepare annual operating budgets and manage expenditures, including labor, equipment, and supplies.

× Approve operational invoices and identify areas for cost reduction without sacrificing product quality.

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QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

× Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related field (preferred).

× 15+ years of experience in a plant management role, ideally within the food manufacturing industry.

× Strong understanding of safety, quality, and environmental standards (OSHA, USDA, FDA, etc.).

× Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop a diverse team.

× Excellent organizational and communication skills.

× Proficiency in Microsoft Office

CORE COMPETENCIES

× Commitment to company values and ethics.

× Dependability: personally responsible, completes work in a timely manner, and performs tasks accurately.

× Motivation: must maintain a positive attitude and strong work energy.

× Initiative: plans work and carries out tasks without detailed instructions, prepares for problems or opportunities in advance, undertakes additional responsibilities.

× Management: must possess coaching and development skills.

× Organization: very detailed oriented and always prepared.

× Analytical Skills: must be able to use data to determine cause and effect for complex problem solving.

× Communication: excellent interpersonal and oral and written communications skills.

× Authentic passion for brand building, new product introduction, delicious food, and fun with your team and colleagues

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

× 5-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in the food, beverage, or agricultural processing industry. [1, 2]

× Experience with processed meat production and smokehouses is beneficial to this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demand and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear. Must be able to stand for periods of time with frequent moving throughout the R&D and production area.Must have taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demand and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is inside a central heated and air-conditioned office building. There may be a need to enter and walk through a manufacturing setting and wear appropriate PPE. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person